There is an historical event so overwhelming with sorrow, weeping, confession, forgiveness, mercy and love we are not given any information regarding its details. It happened when Jesus met with Peter the first time after the resurrection. The last time they were together Peter renounced any relationship with Jesus. He did this within earshot of Jesus who looked down from the porch into the court and the cock crowed. Peter knew Jesus heard him. Talk about getting caught!
Peter and Jesus were best friends. They fished together. They traveled together. Peter was with Jesus on the Mountain of Transfiguration. He saw Moses and Elijah come from heaven to meet with Jesus. He declared his willingness to die for Jesus and indeed proved his loyalty that very night in the Garden of Gethsemane. He pulled out a sword and started to fight. He would have fought to the death had not Jesus called to him to stop. That was the problem. He did all he knew how to do and it was the wrong thing. Peter is so much like us.
When he saw the empty tomb on Sunday morning and knew Jesus was alive the conflict must have been horrendous. He wanted desperately to see Jesus but had to be afraid because of the three denials. What unfolded when Jesus came to him needed no background violins or soft piano music to build emotion. This was a scene of two men embraced in reconciliation.
If Jesus could do that for Peter just think of what he can do for you and me.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 1, 2003
Spring of Life, 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453