The resurrection of Jesus is the most important and decisive event in history. It also serves as the focal point of the Christian faith. Every faithful man and woman of God will accept the resurrection as a literal event. All four Gospels end with vivid accounts of the resurrection of Christ. The preaching of the Evangelists and Pastors from the earliest day of the church focused on the death and resurrection of our Lord.
However, it is important to remember those followers of Jesus who first came to the tomb on resurrection morning did not expect to find it empty. The death of Jesus brought confusion and a sense of despair to their lives. Let’s focus for a moment on Simon Peter.
As Peter warmed himself at the campfire of the world, someone apparently recognized him as a follower of Christ. As you remember, just as the Lord predicted, Peter would end up denying Christ three times before the cock crowed. Lest we become too critical of Peter, let’s remember at that time he did not have the power of the Holy Spirit upon his life. Also, we must acknowledge that fear can make you behave out of normal character. Peter was in fear of his life, thus at a moment of weakness he did the unthinkable.
But now it’s Easter morning, I am wondering if Peter’s anxiety goes beyond mere confusion, maybe there is also a sense of fear and dread. Most likely the followers of Christ were hiding out in fear of the authorities. Perhaps now they may even find themselves accused of stealing the body and overpowering the guards. Yet, perhaps there was another element in their fear. Perhaps there was a bit of anxiety about meeting the Lord. After all, they promised to stick with Him until the end but when the crisis came they all deserted Him, and Peter even denied Him. The women who arrived first at the tomb received a message from the angel to go and tell the disciples, but especially Peter.
“But go your way and tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there ye shall see Him, as He said unto you.”
Mark 16:7
This may not have been the best of news for a man feeling a sense of deep guilt over his sin.
When Christ appeared to the disciples as they hid behind the closed doors it was not the first time Peter had seen Him after His resurrection. After the Lord appeared to the two men on the Emmaus Road, they returned to Jerusalem and told the others what had happened. They also stated:
“. . . the Lord has risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”
Luke 24:34
Somewhere along the way on that first day of the week, even before the Lord met the Emmaus Road disciples, even before the Lord appeared to the others behind the closed doors, He had already appeared to Peter.
Now, how would you think that confrontation between the Lord and Simon Peter might have been played? Peter had cursed and swore as he denied the Lord. Then Simon saw Him crucified and buried in a borrowed tomb. And then suddenly, somewhere, that Sunday, He appeared to Simon. What would Peter’s reaction be? I would imagine Peter, who usually was the outspoken member of the band, quietly hid his head in shame. “What can I say to Him?” Peter mused, “Or even worse, what will He say to me?” I am quite sure Peter didn’t think this encounter was going to end well for him.
Suddenly Peter hears words he was not expecting, “Peace be unto you.” Peace? Peter had not been at peace in several days. Anguish and guilt filled his soul and robbed him of any hope of peace. But now Peter received assurance from the Lord that He came in peace. Although Peter had done the unthinkable, Jesus was willing to forgive.
I can picture Peter falling at the feet of Jesus. That’s what he did when he witnesses the great draught of fish. He requested the Lord depart from him acknowledging he was a sinful man and unworthy to be in the presence of Christ. (Luke 5:1-8)
Then as the eleven gathered behind closed doors Peter was given the ultimate assurance he had been forgiven.
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.”
John 20:21
Peter is being entrusted with a mission. Peter assumed he had forfeited all right to be useful for the Master, but now he receives a new commission of service. Who would send someone into service who had already deserted the ranks and failed miserably? Why would Jesus do such a thing? Of course there is the element of forgiveness, but there is something more at play here.
The empty tomb was not just the tomb of Jesus; it was also the tomb of Peter. Simon Peter, the man who was confused, afraid, weak and unfaithful now emerges as a courageous man of faith. The resurrection not only changed Christ, it also changed Peter. This fact is now promised, and soon will become an experienced reality as Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit. The contrast between Peter in the gospels and Peter in the book of Acts is one of the most convincing proofs of the power of Christ’s resurrection and the mighty working of the Holy Spirit. Peter in the gospels was impulsive, undependable, and slow of heart to understand the mysteries of the kingdom. However, after Pentecost, Peter meets us being firm and courageous, filled with faith and ready to die for the cause of Christ.
Like Peter, you and I have also experienced a resurrection! Stop agonizing over your sins. Stop doubting about what Jesus thinks of you and fearing to step out in faith. Easter means you have risen to a new life of faith and fulfillment, of obedience and strength and service. Make difficult decisions with courage! Stare down the devil when he tempts you! Rise up, you have been forgiven to the uttermost and commissioned to spread the kingdom of God to the world.