March 28th
JESUS’ FINAL WEEK
Action: Elated at seeing the resurrected Jesus, the two disciples travelled the seven miles back from Emmaus to Jerusalem in the late evening to report to the eleven. Before they could spill their news, the disciples excitedly declared, "The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon." Yes, the women had seen Jesus first, “but they [the disciples] did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (Luke 24:11). They believed Peter's report. The only other mention of Jesus specifically appearing to Peter is by Paul (1 Cor 15:5).
We can only imagine the depths of guilt and despair experienced by Peter in the last few days since denying His Master. Oh, if only he could turn back the clock. Now, from the abyss of wretchedness and tears of repentance, to the tears of inexpressible relief. Joy flooded through him as felt His Master’s reassuring arms around him. Jesus came in private audience to restore his soul and console his spirit!
In Galilee, some time later – perhaps weeks, Jesus again appeared and had a conversation with Peter, likely within earshot of the other disciples. Here was “grace surgery” - it was time to publicly affirm his true feelings for Jesus and readiness to do his will.
JESUS’ FINAL WEEK
SUNDAY – Resurrection Appearances (3) Peter
SUNDAY – Resurrection Appearances (3) Peter
And they learned from the group that the Lord was really alive and
had appeared to Peter.
had appeared to Peter.
Luke 24:34, Contemporary English Version
Action: Elated at seeing the resurrected Jesus, the two disciples travelled the seven miles back from Emmaus to Jerusalem in the late evening to report to the eleven. Before they could spill their news, the disciples excitedly declared, "The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon." Yes, the women had seen Jesus first, “but they [the disciples] did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (Luke 24:11). They believed Peter's report. The only other mention of Jesus specifically appearing to Peter is by Paul (1 Cor 15:5).
We can only imagine the depths of guilt and despair experienced by Peter in the last few days since denying His Master. Oh, if only he could turn back the clock. Now, from the abyss of wretchedness and tears of repentance, to the tears of inexpressible relief. Joy flooded through him as felt His Master’s reassuring arms around him. Jesus came in private audience to restore his soul and console his spirit!
In Galilee, some time later – perhaps weeks, Jesus again appeared and had a conversation with Peter, likely within earshot of the other disciples. Here was “grace surgery” - it was time to publicly affirm his true feelings for Jesus and readiness to do his will.
Application:
- This is but one sample of the grace He ever manifests toward His erring followers. Have you come to know His love for you? A love that thinks more of the heartbreak of the man who wronged it than of the hurt that it received.
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He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:3)
He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:3)