Just a Minute . . .

How do you think Peter felt on Good Friday? Just watching Jesus go through all his suffering must have been bad enough, but to know that he had denied knowing Jesus had to make him feel awful. Even worse, he'd done it three times. More than that, Jesus had warned him plainly in advance that he was going to do it! How might Peter have felt? I'm guessing he felt horrible.

Then on Easter Sunday, the women who arrived at Jesus’ empty tomb are given a clear instruction by the angel. "Go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Tell Peter. Tell Peter specifically. Why?

Probably because Peter really needed to hear it! Peter really needed to hear that his sins were forgiven, that he had a risen Savior who still loved him and who always would love him.

You and I are no different than Peter. We're sinful human beings, just like he was. We've denied Jesus in our own ways, whether by blatant statements (like Peter), or not letting our light shine, or failing to trust God fully, or neglecting God’s Word, or whatever. We've failed. We've sinned. We're "Peter."

Jesus' resurrection marks his victory over death which assures us that our failures and sins are forgiven. The good news of Jesus resurrection is the special message of God's Word for you! You have a risen Savior! Jesus died and rose again from the dead to assure you that your sins are all forgiven.

In HIS awesome service,
Pastor Dennis