Worth Repeating - May 24, 2017

Mark 16: 7 “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Your past doesn’t have to be a picture of your future.*

When I was in high school, one of my teachers used to say, “You people – and Connie – be quiet.” There are times when it’s not so nice to be singled out! Peter knew what that felt like. Matthew’s version of the event described in this passage doesn’t make any special mention of Peter, but Mark thought it was important to include this little detail. And while the other disciples had also abandoned Jesus when things got ugly, Peter’s denial scene got “special” recognition. Perhaps the angel’s referral to Peter in this verse was meant to reassure him that he had been forgiven for his earlier public denial of Jesus; but I think there’s more to it – after all, Peter wasn’t the only disciple in need of forgiveness or reassurance so why single him out?

What is special/significant about Peter? I think Jesus was establishing Peter’s credentials as the leader of the band, putting in motion the transition plan to be implemented when he left. Peter had blundered and stumbled and, being the public figure that he was, everyone knew it. Natural leadership skills aside, without Jesus’ unmistakable blessing, Peter would have had trouble getting anyone to listen to him. It is not necessary for servants of God to be smooth and eloquent, only that they have the Savior’s seal of approval. The message is the star, not the messenger.

He sees beyond what we are to what we can become, beyond our sins to the service we can offer.*