It had to be the longest 36 hours in history. The guilt must have been unbearable. His self esteem must have been lower than low. Thoughts of ending it all must have run through his mind. Having not once, not twice, but three times denied knowing Jesus, Peter was now experiencing regret, the likes of which, we have never experienced. He said “I don’t know Him”, he said “I don’t know Him”, he said “I swear to God I do not know that man.” Then the cock crowed, then they took Jesus away and crucified Him. Just when He needed a friend, one of his closest friends denied any association with Him.
Haven’t we all done things we wished we could undo? Something we said, something we did, something we didn’t do. Don’t we all know that feeling of guilt and anguish? If only we could take it back…but too late!
How could Peter reconcile things? He couldn’t, it was done. What a golden opportunity for Jesus to condemn Peter, however, that didn’t happen. The darkest day in Christian history was followed very quickly by the most Glorious day in Christian history. Easter! Jesus Christ, who was dead, rose from the dead and lived among his friends again. There IS life after life.
All the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark Luke and John cover this great event but Mark says something the others do not. Mark records the angels telling the women at the grave site to “Go and tell the disciples, and Peter, that Jesus Christ has Risen” Jesus was not prepared to write Peter off, nor will He write you off. Have you neglected your spiritual life? Are you distant from Jesus? Take heart! There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from the love of Christ. He WILL forgive you, He WILL love you.
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!
I invite you to join us for worship at Dalemead Church, Sunday mornings at 10:30
