“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 16:7)
Three days previously, Peter had denied his Lord three times (Mark 14:66-72). Jesus has been crucified and buried. Now, on the first day of the week, news begins to emerge that the tomb is empty. Is Peter hopeful that Christ has risen, or fearful because of what he has done? We only know that, immediately after the denial, he broke down and wept (Mark 14:72), perhaps due to shame, disappointment at his failure, or grief at how he has treated his Lord.
Mark is normally briefer than the other synoptic gospel. He leaves out stuff that the others say. But, here, he adds something. The angel’s message is recorded in a similar way to Matthew and Luke: “Go and tell his disciples…” But Mark adds, “and Peter.”
It’s as if a message from Jesus himself is being given through the angel: “Peter, you who have denied me; you who wept outside the courtyard of the high priest; you who are ashamed at your failure; fear not, I am risen.”
This is a personal message to a fallen and bruised disciple. It’s not a message of rejection but a call of encouragement – go into Galilee, there you will see me. It’s not even a message of rebuke (although a recommissioning comes later in John 21); Jesus doesn’t call him Simon (compare Luke 22:31-32), but Peter (the rock). Yes, Peter failed, but Jesus is calling Peter personally and he will restore Peter to the ministry. On the cross Jesus died for Peter’s denial – and ours, and every single other sin.
So, if you’re a Christian who has failed the Lord Jesus, don’t stay away. He calls you to come and meet with him to be cleansed and restored.
The best is yet to come 