Though this meditation is focused on the appearance to Simon Peter, it is important to place it as the third appear­ance of the risen Christ. The first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, and the second appearance was to the women as they rush to tell the disciples. This third appearance was to the one disciple who most needed it.

Peter had dashed his hope of being both a disciple as well as a believer. After denying his Lord and daring to say, “I do not know the man,” Peter went out and wept bit­terly in the night. His heart was broken. What kept Peter from killing himself like Judas? God’s restraining hand­ so that Peter’s restoration would powerfully illustrate the blessed effect of Jesus’ resurrection: a living hope that cannot fade away (1 Pet. 3:5). Had not Jesus said when He predicted the denials, “when thou art converted”? This keeps Peter’s hope dangling by a thread.

The restoration of Peter is recorded for us in three verses. First, the preparation for this appearance is revealed. The women at the empty tomb are told to go tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus had risen and would meet them. There is a gentle yet stinging rebuke here; Peter is no longer classed with the others. How the loving yet painful question is meant to highlight just how evil Peter’s sin has been! The Lord needs to break the hearts of His own, but often does so in steps and stages lest we be crushed to utter despair.

More importantly, the message sent for Peter by the returning women was meant to give a spark of hope to this despairing man. “Peter, you said you did not know Me. But I still know you. I have risen, also for you.” The Lord who prayed for Peter while he was sleeping, who turned a sorrowful eye to Peter when He heard the cursing denials, now turns a tender, joyful eye!

Peter was apparently so affected by this message that, after running with John to see the empty grave, he walks away by himself. His fears and hopes collide in his heart, taking his thoughts captive. His prayers and tears likely flow again. But into the cloud of dark despair that has smothered his soul blow the sweet winds of hope!

The Lord Jesus Christ then appears “to Cephas,” as 1 Corinthians 15 puts it, or “to Simon,” as Luke 24 puts it. This use of the old names is deliberate. To Simon who has given way to and served the flesh rather than walking by the Spirit to kill the lusts of the flesh, the risen Lord comes. To Cephas who stumbled over the cross, the risen Lord comes with the marks still in His body to make him Peter again!

What did these two have to say to each other? We are not told. This is gospel silence. The Lord covers Peter’s sin wholly before the sight of heaven (Ps. 32). We can be sure two things happened. Peter no doubt told Jesus in person what he said in prayer and in his thoughts a thousand times since that dreadful night. “Dear master, I am so sorry. Please forgive me.” And Jesus doubtless said the words Peter so desperately needed to hear: “I forgive and love you still.”

Dear believer, what riches are found for you here! Has your backsliding smothered your soul in doubt and fear? The resurrection of Jesus Christ rekindles your hope! Your sin can be wholly covered. Christ still appears to His people through His Word and Spirit. Speak your tearful words of sorrow to Him, and He will remind you of His words of forgiveness and love. Those words in Scripture are no less personal for you because they are spoken to all the ransomed church of God. They are full of glory because He is such a Savior to so many!