The risen Jesus asks to see Peter

There is a unique detail that stands out in Mark’s gospel account of the Resurrection. Peter receives special mention. There was a young man clothed in a white robe sitting inside the tomb.

When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome entered, the man, presumably an angel speaking on behalf of Jesus, told the women, “Go and tell his disciples and Peter” (Mk 16:7). Peter was one of the disciples. If the angel said, “Go and tell his disciples,” Peter would have been included. Why single Peter out? Why name Peter and not the others?

No other evangelist names Peter individually. In Matthew, the angel told the women, “Go quickly and tell his disciples” (Mt 28:7). There is no mention of Peter. In Luke, two men in dazzling garments spoke to the women, who in turn “announced all these things to the eleven and all the others” (Lk 24:9). Again, there is no mention of Peter. In John, Mary of Magdala went to Simon Peter and told him that “They have taken the Lord from the tomb” (Jn 20:2), but she was not instructed to do so by an angel.

Peter plays a prominent role in the gospel of Mark. Peter was imprisoned in Rome before he was crucified upside down in 64 AD, and Mark went to visit Peter frequently before his martyrdom. Peter gave Mark a full account of Jesus’ life. He also told him about his own life and ministry, how he was the leader of the early Church and traveled far and wide to proclaim Jesus and his gospel, beginning in Jerusalem, throughout Israel, to Antioch and Corinth, and finally to Rome. Peter had poured every ounce of energy into the effort.

Over thirty years had passed since Jesus’ death and Resurrection, yet Peter was still haunted by his past. He was a humbled man. He was embarrassed and humiliated by the stupid things that he had done and the terrible sins that he had committed. He was filled with remorse and regret when he admitted to Mark how he had rebuked Jesus when he explained that he needed to go to Jerusalem (Mk 8:32). His advice was so misguided that Jesus called him “Satan” (Mk 8:33). Peter was mortified at how he had told Jesus, “Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be” (Mk 14:29), how he had said so vehemently, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you” (Mk 14:31), and then hours later denied Jesus three times (Mk 14:66-71). When he realized what he had done, “He broke down and wept” (Mk 14:72). He was still ashamed that he did not stand with his Master or testify on his behalf during his trial, and how he remained barricaded in hiding and was not present for the crucifixion. Every time he had a flashback throughout the rest of his life, it brought tears to his eyes. His heart ached.

If there was anyone that Jesus needed to see after the Resurrection, it was Peter. Jesus knew that Peter was tormented by his guilt and horrified by what he had done. Jesus wanted to reach out to Peter individually and extend his pardon and peace to him personally. Jesus wanted Peter to know that a person is not defined by their sins, and that he would not hold Peter in his sin. Jesus had always loved Peter, and he wanted to reassure Peter that he still did and always would. He could see Peter’s inner goodness and his tremendous potential. Jesus wanted Peter to serve him and he commissioned Peter to be a fisher of men, to be the rock upon which the Church is built, to hold the keys of authority, and to feed and tend his flock. Peter was singled out because he, more than the others, desperately needed the love and forgiveness of his Master. And the love and forgiveness that the risen Jesus extended to Peter, he extends to every one of his disciples.