Two Simple Words
I've been reading through the gospels and have been struck by two words that only appear (in this context) in the gospel of Mark. When the women were bringing spices to Jesus' tomb and they met an angel and he said to them, "Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” (Mark 16:6-7) ...and Peter Why did the angel single out Peter? Well, we know that just a few days before, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus three times in a short period. We know that upon hearing the rooster crow, Peter realized his betrayal and broke down and wept bitterly. We also know, shortly afterwards, Jesus was sent to be crucified. I imagine that Peter was sitting in all sorts of guilt, shame, despair, confusion, and fear in those few days following Jesus' death. ...
