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. He had just lost one of his closest friends and his leader. His last moments with Jesus had been a bit of a disaster. Perhaps he was thinking, "There's no coming back from this" or wondering, "Am I even a part of this group anymore? Am I even a disciple, when I denied even knowing the One I've been following?" It was no small statement then, that the angel singled out that the women should tell the disciples...AND Peter. What I see in those two words are a tidal wave of grace given to Peter. It's like God was saying, "Hey Peter, I'm not done with you yet!" 

It reminded me in John 1:41-42 when Jesus first met Peter and changed his name from Simon which meant "vascilator"  or wishy-washy and renamed him Peter which means "rock." God had plans to use Peter, who we know became a steady presence...a rock, in the early church.

I think I've been loving those two words "and Peter" because I need that hope for myself! Similar to Peter, my fickle heart switches it's allegiance from Jesus to self, far too often. I am keenly aware of how deeply broken I am and how often I fail. 

...and yet! 

The same God that forgave Peter and drew Him near, is my God! He has a tidal wave of grace and forgiveness for me too. Just like Peter, God

continually reminds me through His Word that he isn't done with me yet. He has plans to grow me and use me, not just despite of my weaknesses and failures, but because of them! How incredible that God's power is made perfect in our weakness! (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

I love that in just two words, "and Peter" we have a beautiful reminder of what a kind and merciful God we serve! May we lean into Him this week, depending on His mighty strength, especially in our weakness and failures!

Photo by Manuel Rheinschmidt on Unsplash