Include Peter
Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.
Mark 16:7 (NLT)
The most glorious day in history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—was accompanied by a personal message, full of compassion and restoration. An angel appeared to a group of women at the empty tomb and gave them a commission: to announce to the disciples that Jesus is alive. But among all the possible names, the message highlighted one in particular: Peter. It wasn’t necessary to mention anyone by name, but God made sure Peter knew he was still included.
Why mention him so specifically? Because just days earlier, Peter had failed deeply. He had denied Jesus three times, even after vowing to remain faithful to the death. That betrayal left him filled with guilt, shame, and disappointment. But Jesus, in His mercy, did not reject him. Instead, He sent a clear message: “I still love you, I’m still waiting for you, and I still count on you.”
1. Jesus Restores the Fallen, He Does Not Reject Them
The heart of Christ is not like that of man. Where others see unforgivable betrayal, He sees a wounded soul in need of healing. Peter denied Jesus, but Jesus never denied Peter. By including him, He showed that Peter’s failure was not the end of his story.
2. Jesus Knows Our Shame and Heals It with Love
Peter was broken, full of remorse. But the angel’s message was like balm: “Include Peter.” It was God’s divine way of saying, “I still love you, I still wait for you, I still need you.” God doesn’t ignore our pain—He confronts it with grace and truth.
3. The Forgiveness of Jesus Is Personal and Restorative
Jesus didn’t just rise to give us eternal life—He rose to heal our present guilt. His forgiveness isn’t generic; it’s intentional. He called Peter by name, and He also calls us by name. He reminds us that even when we fail, we are still His children.
4. God Still Has Plans for Those Who Have Fallen
Peter thought his calling was over, but Jesus told the disciples He would meet them in Galilee—the place where it all began. It was an invitation to return to his purpose. When God forgives us, He doesn’t just cleanse us; He repositions us.
5. God Personalizes His Love to Reach Our Hearts
The mention of Peter is an example of how God speaks to each of us. We could just as well say, “Include William, include Martha, include Luis…” Because no one is ever too far gone to be reached by the grace of God.
6. Our Failure Does Not Erase Our Identity in Christ
Peter was still a disciple, even after he failed. Jesus saw him as a leader, not a traitor. Your identity isn’t defined by your mistakes—it’s defined by the voice that calls you. And that voice still says: “I’m waiting for you. Include him. Include her.”
Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.
Mark 16:7 (NLT)
Think About It:
• Am I allowing past guilt to keep me from drawing near to Jesus?
• Who do I need to include in my prayers, my forgiveness, or my support today?
• Can I hear Jesus saying my name and reminding me that He’s still waiting for me?
Include Peter
