By Andrew Williams
“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)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this verse, the angel at the empty tomb gives the women a message of hope and restoration. Jesus has risen, and the angel specifically instructs them to tell the disciples and Peter. Why single out Peter? Because Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, likely felt disqualified from being counted as one of His disciples. By including Peter’s name, the angel delivers a profound message: Jesus still loves Peter, still has a purpose for him, and still calls him to follow. This verse reminds us that failure is not the end of our story when God’s grace is involved. Jesus is the God of second chances, calling us back to Himself no matter how far we’ve fallen.
Peter’s story empowers us to embrace the truth that Jesus never gives up on us. Even when we stumble or deny Him in our thoughts, actions, or words, His grace restores us. Like Peter, we may feel unworthy of being called His disciple at times, but Jesus specifically calls us back by name, just as He did for Peter. This is a call to redirect our focus from our failures to His forgiveness and from our past to the purpose He still has for us.
Are you carrying guilt or shame from a mistake or failure that makes you feel distant from Jesus? Take heart—He is calling you back to Himself. Today, redirect your focus from your shortcomings to His grace. Embrace the second chance He offers and step back into the purpose He has for your life. Share this message of hope with someone else who also needs to be reminded that Jesus is the God of restoration.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being the God of second chances. Like Peter, I have moments where I fail You, but I am so grateful that You never give up on me. I now redirect my focus from my mistakes to Your forgiveness and grace. Restore me and use me for Your purposes, just as You restored Peter. Amen.
