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). Because Jesus rose from the grave, Christians rejoice in the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us through faith, secure in God’s steadfast love. This reality is elevated in today’s reading by including a simple phrase about the apostle Peter.
 
Peter, having just denied knowing Jesus three times, had every reason to doubt his standing before God. Peter’s failure magnifies God’s grace revealed in the angel’s words, “Jesus has risen... go tell the disciples, and Peter” (vv. 6-7). The resurrection announcement carries a personal note of mercy. Mary obeys, going to tell the disciples… and Peter. The very ones who abandoned Jesus in His death are now welcomed to meet the risen Christ and share in new life. Justification rests entirely on Jesus’ work for us, never on our performance before Him.
 
Later, the risen Jesus appears to Peter personally (1 Corinthians 15:5) and gently restores him by the sea (see John 21). What we often miss is the power of justification displayed in this resurrection-shaped reconciliation. The empty tomb does not merely announce victory over death; it proclaims a restored relationship for fallen disciples
 
Jesus’ death fully satisfied the penalty of sin, God writing “paid in full” across the debt we owed. Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of payment and the promise of righteousness for all who believe. For Peter (and for us), the resurrection is the unshakable foundation that our sins are forgiven and that we may return to God with confidence, 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 hear not only that 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.”