Scripture is full of small things that can easily be overlooked as we read. Things that only become apparent after you have read through a passage multiple times. One such small thing appears in the last chapter of Mark. In which the women who discovered the empty tomb are told to go tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus rose from the dead. Some translations say to tell the apostles including Peter. We know Peter was a disciple of God and even an apostle so why did God make sure to tell them to include him as one through the angel?
Mark 16:7 (ESV)
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.”
I believe that this simple statement was a way of telling Peter that he was forgiven for denying the Lord three times only days earlier. An event that had most likely been haunting him since that night. Causing him to question his salvation as well as his position and a follower of Christ and an apostle. So by including Peter in that statement God was sure to show Peter that his actions would not be held against him.
Mark 14:70–72 (ESV)
70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
That event really affected Peter causing him not only to feel remorse but as the Bible says caused him to break down and wept. A type of sorrow that doesn’t fade quickly. Especially when you realize you denied the very one who gave you life. The above passages also mentions that He remembered what Jesus has said. Which we can easily assume was Jesus telling him this very event would take place.
Mark 14:29–31 (ESV)
29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
However, I do not believe that is the only memory that filled Peter’s mind at that moment. As he had lived with Jesus for three years at that point. He heard Jesus teach time and time again and the words of the Lord would have been easily baked into his mind. This can be seen later in the book of Acts as he preaches in like manner to Jesus throughout his life.
So one lesson that Jesus taught would have easily come to his mind after his denial. That those who deny Jesus will be the ones He denies before His Father in Heaven. Like many of us would Peter must have applied this teaching to himself as he did just what it taught not to. Which would most likely have caused him to question whether or not he would now see Heaven.
Matthew 10:32–33 (ESV)
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
But the God we serve is merciful and forgiving. Willing to pick us up when we fall and give us another chance. For Peter that pick-up came by God still including him as an Apostle in His message to His followers. This small phrase that included Peter had a great impact on him upon hearing it.
It showed God’s willingness to forgive him and that all hope was not lost. Ultimately it would lead him to accomplish many great works for the Lord moving forward. Including an attitude that would never deny Jesus again but was sure to acknowledge Him before all people. Even before councils who wanted nothing more than for Him to no longer proclaim the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:18–20 (ESV)
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 5:27–29 (ESV)
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This small phrase in an often read passage teaches us a great lesson in the forgiveness of God. As well as His sometimes subtle way of communicating to His followers. Pay attention as you read the scripture and don’t miss the little things. Even if they are as simple as saying “and Peter” or “including Peter”. Because you never know the much bigger message they could be trying to tell.
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.