Yes, Even Simon Peter!

You’ve heard it said, “hindsight is 20/20.” Looking back almost always provides a clearer understanding once we’ve been through something, and we can see things we didn’t at the time. In our Easter series, “Lessons Learned,” we’re going to explore the kingdom lessons Jesus taught in light of the resurrection. Looking back at what Jesus said through the lens of the resurrection will give us greater understanding of kingdom lessons. The first lesson: the gospel is intended most for those who least deserve it (at least in world terms). Take Simon Peter for example. I can’t help but wonder if it was Peter’s own doing, or if the other disciples did it, but either way, he was “on the outs.” Peter is no longer a disciple. It’s right there in the text (which I never really noticed)… the young man, sitting in the tomb, dressed in a white robe, said, “…go, tell his (Jesus’) disciple AND Peter…” Peter is no longer a disciple! Did he quit, feeling no longer worthy, or did the others kick him out? I don’t know. It could have been both. What I do know is that Jesus’ messenger sent word to the disciples AND Jesus. Peter is the lost sheep—the ONE Jesus leaves the other 99 to seek out; he will be the prodigal son, embraced with open arms and celebrated. I (at one time or another in my life) have been Peter. How about you? The good news of the gospel is for all… “Yes, even Simon Peter!”