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"The Lord Has Appeared to Simon."
Despite Peter’s failure in denying Jesus, he hadn’t isolated himself from the other disciples. When Mary Magdalene came with news that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, Peter was with the others. While he and John (“the one Jesus loved”) ran together to see the tomb for themselves, Peter was the one to first step foot inside. His mind was probably spinning with the possibilities and implications of the empty graveclothes he saw.
John reached a level of belief in this moment that Peter did not yet have, but at the same time neither of them fully understood the Scriptural significance of what they were seeing and what it would mean for the human race. They simply went home, wondering what it was all about.
Sometime later in the day, Peter no longer had to wonder about empty graveclothes - he saw Jesus in person. Luke records that information as part of one sentence in his Gospel. The apostle Paul refers to it very briefly as well in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5. Interestingly, there are no details given. We have no information about how it happened or what was said. Perhaps it was such a personal and private moment that Peter didn’t want to share it with anyone. It seems that the men in Luke 24 were the ones to break the news to the rest of the disciples that Peter had seen Jesus - he hadn’t even told his closest friends. The meeting was probably a precious time of restoration, a lifting of the weight of guilt and shame for Peter. Jesus didn’t waste a moment in reassuring him of his forgiveness and his place of leadership among the other disciples.
Peter did not let his failure drown him. He stayed among his friends. When the report came that Jesus’s body was gone, it mattered to him and he rushed to investigate. Jesus not only made sure Peter was mentioned by name in the announcement about His resurrection, but took time to meet him personally on the most significant day in history. Peter’s heartbreaking words after Jesus’s arrest and initial lack of belief about the resurrection were not the end of their relationship. In fact, something new and wonderful was about to begin.
Reflection:
Are there areas of your life that you try to hide from God out of shame or guilt? Talk to God about them today.
About this Plan
The Apostle Peter is a pillar of the Christian faith. What can we learn from his life? This 30-Day Plan covers many Scripture passages that speak of Peter, helping us build a picture of his character and experiences. He was refined and redeemed through the love of Jesus, and was profoundly transformed by God’s call and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
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