And Peter
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4; Mark 16; Psalm 67
At the end of Mark’s Gospel, after the Marys had seen and believed that Jesus had risen from the grave, they were instructed by an angel to go tell the disciples that Jesus, who was crucified and died, was now alive. But there was something extra in the message. They were told, “Go tell His disciples and Peter…”
On the surface, that sounds like Peter is being singled out — almost as if he’s no longer part of the group. Imagine I’m in India, sitting with a group of Indian pastors at a restaurant. If someone handed a platter of rice to a waiter and said, “Take this to those Indian pastors… and Steve,” it would make sense. I’d still be with the group, but I’d stand out as someone distinct because I am not Indian.
That’s how Peter may have felt after his failure. He wasn’t a disciple anymore — at least not in his own mind. After denying Jesus three times, Peter may have wondered if he’d forfeited his place among Jesus’ followers. The angel’s message wasn’t to push Peter away — it was to draw him back. Jesus wanted to make sure Peter knew he was still included, still loved, and still His disciple.
We see this care for Peter again in John’s Gospel when Jesus appears on the shore after the disciples returned to fishing. Jesus takes Peter aside and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, He follows Peter’s answer with a command: “Feed My sheep.” Peter’s failure needed to be addressed, but just as importantly, Peter needed the reassurance that he was forgiven and restored.
Sometimes people’s sins and failures leave them so burdened that they need an extra measure of assurance — something that meets the depth of their sorrow. That’s what Jesus provided for Peter. And sometimes that’s what He calls us to provide for others. Or perhaps He will send someone to you to bring comfort and reassurance when you need it most.
This story is a beautiful reminder that Jesus’ love isn’t just general — it’s personal. He doesn’t see us as part of a nameless crowd; He knows us as individuals. He knows our wounds, our regrets, and our struggles. And when He sees our suffering, He may send someone with a message just for us — something like He gave the Marys: “Go tell My disciples… and __________.”
