Resurrection

Peter, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times. Jesus' words still burned in his heart. He was so shocked when Jesus first told him this, because he would have laid down his life for Him. But then, when the time came, he actually did deny his Lord! Three days had gone by since Peter had renounced Jesus, three days since Jesus' cruel death, and Peter still felt the guilt and shame inside as though it were yesterday. He could not look his fellow disciples and friends in the eye, but neither could they look at him. They all felt ashamed for leaving Jesus during His most crucial time of need. 

And, to add salt to the already festering wound, Jesus' body was gone! Peter saw with his own eyes the empty tomb, laid bare except for the carefully folded strips of linen and cloths that had been previously wrapped around Jesus. Where is He? He wondered. Fragments of what Jesus had said in the past came to him: The disciples would no longer see Him, and then they would see Him again. When? What does all this mean? Mary Magdalene shared with Peter that she saw an angel, and even Jesus alive, at the empty tomb but that was just pure foolishness. Peter was sure that her grief was too overwhelming for her to handle. 

"Peace be with you." Peter jumped, his jumbled thoughts momentarily forgotten as he, along with his fellow disciples, turned toward the voice. Peter couldn't believe his eyes! It was Jesus! And He was smiling, stretching out His hands and feet so they could see His scars. It was true, He was alive! Peter laughed aloud, his joy overflowing. His Jesus had been resurrected, and he couldn't help but rejoice in His presence.

For Peter's sake, Jesus' resurrection was twofold. Peter was so excited to be able to share with the world the gospel story of Jesus, the One he loved and followed with all his heart. Peter also felt the redeeming power of grace on his life. Jesus made sure Peter knew there was nothing that would separate His love for him, not even Peter's denial of Jesus. Jesus' love for Peter was so strong, He was able to overlook what Peter did. He never for a second turned his back on Peter, or left him to flounder on his own. He was right there to hold him up, love him, and comfort his soul. And because of the grace of his Savior, Peter was able to joyfully spread the wonderful news of the never-ending love of Jesus.