Mark 16: And Peter

​Key Verse
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
 
Meditation
Jesus was raised from the dead for the justification of His people (Romans 4:25). If Jesus did not rise from the grave, Christians should be pitied and humanity would be stuck in sin (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Because Jesus rose from the grave, Christians celebrate the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us through faith, secure status in God’s steadfast love. 
 
Peter had no reason to be justified, having just denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter’s failure highlights God’s grace revealed in the angel’s special focus. “Jesus has risen... go tell the disciples, and Peter” (vv. 6-7). Mary obeyed, going to tell the disciples, and Peter. Each disciple who had collectively abandoned Jesus in His death were now welcomed to meet resurrected Jesus in new life. Justification is based on Jesus’ work for us, never our performance before Him. 
 
In today’s reading, Peter was offered special assurance. Later, resurrected Jesus met with Peter personally (1 Corinthians 15:5) and restored Peter gently (see John 21). What we often miss is the potency and power of justification found through Jesus’ resurrection evidenced by radical reconciliation.
 
Jesus’ death made a full satisfaction for the penalty of sin, God writing “PAID IN FULL” on the debt we owe. Jesus’ resurrection was proof of payment and prospect of Jesus’ righteousness for all who believe. Resurrected Jesus meets people who are hungry for life, assuring forgiveness of sins and status to begin again. Jesus’ resurrection is Peter’s sure foundation that is sins are forgiven and he is able to return to relationship, justified by Jesus’ finished work.  
 
Today’s Reading
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
 
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Great Commission
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially the “And Peter” included in the simple resurrection message? 
 
-Do you identify with the need to be singled out to in hearing not only your sins are taken by Jesus but His righteousness is given to you to secure your status in God’s steadfast love? Take a moment to confess specific sin(s) to receive the forgiveness of Jesus.
 
-How is the sure forgiveness of Jesus for your sin a catalyst to show forgiveness to others? How does His finished work give you confidence to love and serve Him? Take a moment to consider who you need to forgive and ask Jesus to help you steward the forgiveness He has shown you by forgiving others. Likewise, ask the Spirit to show you how to boldly come to Jesus today, knowing His grace more fully to serve Him more faithfully.
 
Key Verse
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”