Day 14

Mark 13-16

“When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.” Mark 16:1 ESV

This chapter begins with three ladies going to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His dead body. Ironically, it ends with Jesus, alive and well, “anointing” them (and many others) to go out and proclaim the Gospel to the entire world.

In between all of this, there is verse 7. 

“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 16:7 ESV

The angel at the tomb explains to the women that Jesus is no longer there, that He had risen from the dead. He then charged them to go tell the disciples and Peter about this wonderful news. 

Just days before this, Jesus was telling His disciples that they would all fall away. “And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’” (Mark 14:27) Peter was adamant that Jesus was mistaken and that he would never never deny His Lord. As we know, Peter denied Jesus and the rooster crowed, serving as a reminder, just as Jesus had told him. The story goes on to say that Peter “broke down and wept.”

Just imagine, Peter must have been devastated for days. Jesus, however, didn’t comfort him immediately (although Jesus had the power and authority to do so). Jesus let Peter mourn. Nonetheless, the angel instructed the women at the tomb to go tell the disciples and Peter that Christ was risen. What an encouragement this must have been for Peter! At the very same time, I imagine this was very humbling. Peter in His pride exclaimed that He would never deny Christ. Now humbled, Jesus reminded Peter that despite His failure, he is still loved!