Easter Devo: …and Peter

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)

Peter was always the bold one.

He was the first to step out of the boat. The first to declare, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The one who confidently proclaimed, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” He meant every word.

But in the pressure of the courtyard, with the flicker of firelight revealing his face, his courage crumbled. Once. Twice. Three times.

“I do not know this man of whom you speak.”

And the rooster crowed.

Can you imagine the weight that moment must have carried? The sting of regret. The shame of broken promises. The crushing reality that when Jesus needed him most, Peter failed. And failed big.

When Jesus was taken to the cross, Peter wasn’t at His side. He wasn’t standing in loyalty. He was lost in the shadows of guilt, replaying every denial.

So when the women showed up at the tomb and found it empty, an angel delivered this life-changing message:

“Go, tell his disciples… and Peter.”

Those two words—“and Peter”—changed everything.

Jesus didn’t just rise to prove His power. He rose to restore His people. And in the middle of that glorious victory, He made sure the one who felt disqualified, ashamed, and forgotten knew he was still seen.

Still wanted.

Still included.

Still loved.

Through Peter’s Eyes

Can you feel the rush of emotion Peter must have felt when he heard that?

He had to wonder, “Me? After what I did? He still wants me?”

Yes, Peter. Especially you.

Because the resurrection isn’t just about defeating death—it’s about restoring hearts. It’s about the God who doesn’t just forgive, but seeks out the broken to bring them back in.

Peter’s story didn’t end with his failure. In fact, it was just the beginning.

Jesus Restores What Shame Tries to Destroy

 

Later, Jesus would meet Peter on the shore. Over a morning fire, similar to the one where Peter had once denied Him, Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to say what his heart had always wanted to: “Lord, You know that I love You.”

Jesus didn’t rub in his failure. He rewrote the ending.

He commissioned Peter. Empowered him. And used the same man who once crumbled in fear to become the rock on which the early Church would be built.

That’s what resurrection power does—it takes what shame tried to destroy and turns it into testimony.

And You.

Maybe you’ve had Peter moments. You loved Jesus, but you’ve denied Him with your decisions. You’ve made promises you didn’t keep. Maybe you feel like you’re disqualified, distant, or disheartened.

Hear these words as if they’re just for you:

“…and you.”

Jesus sees you. He’s not avoiding your failures—He’s walking right into the middle of them with open arms. Your brokenness doesn’t scare Him. Your regret isn’t too much for Him.

The empty tomb means your story isn’t over.

Let Peter’s story remind you: Jesus is a Redeemer, not just a Rescuer. He doesn’t just save us from sin—He restores us to Himself.

This Easter, don’t just celebrate a risen Savior. Respond to a personal one. One who calls you by name, even when you’ve failed. Especially when you’ve failed.

Because grace doesn’t overlook us—it looks right at us and says,

 

“Come. I’m not done with you yet.”

Jesus, thank You that You don’t define me by my worst moment. Thank You that You rose not just to conquer death, but to call me back into relationship with You. Help me believe, like Peter, that grace still finds me—especially when I feel unworthy. I surrender my shame, my regret, and my past, and I walk forward in the hope of Your resurrection. Amen.