Guest blogger: Dawn Levene - "...and Peter"

“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.’” (Mark 16:7)
 
I have recently been reading through Mark’s gospel, and the journey has often caused me to pause, to reflect, to research, to pray, and sometimes to repent, but always to allow the Holy Spirit to lead. When I came to the final chapter in Mark, one verse in particular, Mark 16:7, caused me to stop and reflect. The angel told the women who came to the tomb that it was empty, but to go tell Jesus’ disciples “and Peter” that Jesus was going ahead of them into Galilee, and that they would see Him there.

Why was Peter singled out? I had a theory in my spirit, but I wanted to do some more research to confirm what I believed was the reason. And yes, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, I was right in what I had first concluded. The mention of Peter was significant because he had recently experienced one of the greatest failures of his life. Even though he had confidently and emphatically declared at the Last Supper that he would never deny Jesus, he did, and not only once but three times (Mark 14:66-72). Peter’s failure must have caused him to feel shame, guilt, or even unworthiness. So when the angel said “and Peter,” it was as if Jesus was saying, “Peter, I have not rejected you. Your failure has not disqualified you. Come back to me.” To me, this shows great grace and restoration.
Peter’s failure did not separate him from God’s purpose for his life. Instead, Jesus was restoring Peter. He knew Peter had failed, but Jesus also saw Peter’s heart. Later in the gospel of John, in chapter 21, Jesus personally restores Peter and gives him the responsibility of caring for his people.

For me, this reflection was personal. I too have done things of which I am ashamed. Like Peter, I remember in a Bible study at church some years ago standing up and emphatically saying (based on the study) that nothing would ever separate me from God. And yes, I lived to regret saying those words. Because of my failure, my shame, and feelings of unworthiness, I delayed going to Christ to confess and repent. Instead, I allowed the enemy to tell me that I was a failure. I convinced myself that God was disappointed and angry with me. I felt like a hypocrite.

But reading “and Peter” in Mark 16:7 reminds me that Jesus sees me beyond my failure. Peter’s denial was real, but Jesus’ grace was greater. This passage taught me that failure does not have to be the final chapter of our story.

We make mistakes, disappoint others and even ourselves, but God will restore us once we turn back to Him. This phrase is speaking to anyone who ever feels forgotten or unworthy because of something they have done. Jesus is saying “I still love you. I still care for you. I still see you.” Failure may interrupt our journey, but it does not have to determine our destiny.

I praise God that Jesus does not define us by our worst moment. He sees beyond our failure and calls us back into fellowship with Him. Peter’s denial was not the end of his story. He went from denying Christ to boldly preaching Jesus. His story shows forgiveness, restoration, and a second chance to serve God. No matter what, there is still hope, still grace, and still a purpose for you.