Specifically For You – April 3, 2021

“Don’t be alarmed,” the angel said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 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 16:6,7

Specifically For You

How did the apostle Peter feel 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 had denied Jesus three times. More than that, Jesus had warned him plainly in advance that he was going to do it! How did Peter feel? So horrible that he wept bitterly.

Then on Easter Sunday, the women who arrived at Jesus’ empty tomb were given a clear instruction by the angel. “Go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘Jesus is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Tell Peter. Tell Peter specifically. Why? 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. 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 of faith shine, or failing to trust God fully, or neglecting God’s Word, or other actions sinful before God and offensive to people. We’ve failed. We’ve sinned. We are “Peter.”

Jesus’ resurrection is God’s good news for you. You have a risen Savior! Jesus died and rose again from the dead to assure you that your sins are all forgiven. You have a living Savior who loves you specially.

Prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus, fill my heart with the peace of the forgiveness of sins accomplished by your death and guaranteed by your resurrection from the dead. Assure me of your special love to take away my doubts and fears. Amen.