The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth are unmistakably the most important events of history. Newsweek just had a cover story entitled "Jesus-The last 2000 Years".

On the third day after the crucifixion and death on the cross of Jesus, the women came to the tomb where Jesus was buried. They came with broken and heavy hearts to anoint the body with spices as part of the burial customs of that day. As the women approached the tomb, the large stone which had been placed there to seal the tomb had been rolled away!

The women entered the tomb and saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed! "Don't be alarmed" he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell the disciples-and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him just as he told you."

The two words "and Peter" are, in my estimation, two of the most important words of the resurrection story and are often overlooked. Peter had just a few days before denied that he even knew Jesus while Jesus was on trial. Peter had seen the miracles and had walked with Jesus on a daily basis.

Because of these two words "and Peter," you and I have great hope. I don't know about you, but there have been times in my Christian walk that I "like Peter" have shamefully denied my Lord. And "like Peter" there have been times where I have been very bold in my faith. Here stands the human condition of mankind.

Herein also lies the compassion, forgiveness, and forever mercy of God our Father. When we know to do right in His eyes and do not and even "three times in a row" deny Him, He continues to reach out to us. This reminds me of a loving parent who continues to love a child no matter what they have done even into a jail cell or even to death row in a prison.

Because of these words "Go tell the disciples-and Peter" we have another chance. Wow what a wonderful, loving heavenly Father!

This Easter Sunday take advantage of one of the many truly outstanding loving Bible preaching churches in our area and just accept all the flowing love and forgiveness that God our Heavenly Father is sending your way in these two words- " and Peter."