Forgiveness

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

(Mark 16:6-7 ESV)

The women who had gone to anoint the body of Jesus were met with a much different message than they ever expected. The body that they had come to prepare for burial had been resurrected. He was no longer dead, but is alive! Oh, what a shock and sheer amazement must have been on the women as they heard this message from an angel at the tomb!

Another amazing bit of information is that the women are to give the disciples a message. Jesus is going to go before them to Galilee. This message was addressed to the disciples, and specifically to Peter. Jesus wanted them to know that Peter, who had denied him three times, was still included in their number! Jesus had forgiven all of them for turning away from him when he needed them most and he had forgiven Peter for denying him!

What a sweet message this would be to Peter! Not only had the man whom Peter had followed for three years in ministry been resurrected, but he had a special message for Peter. What an awesome moment for the disciples to hear this message of Jesus’ triumph and personal call to meet him in Galilee! To know instantly that they are forgiven for their sin against him had to be such a great relief.

This message of forgiveness and hope must be the Christians constant cry! Are you holding on to any bitterness and discouragement? Will you forgive as Christ has forgiven you and as Christ forgave his disciples? Will you give this declaration of forgiveness to anyone that has sinned against you?