We usually think Peter’s story ends in failure. 

Three denials. A public collapse.

A man who said he would die for Jesus…and then couldn’t even admit he knew Him.

If anyone had disqualified himself, it was Peter

So consider this:

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*The last thing Peter did before the cross was deny Jesus.

Three times.

The first message after the empty tomb calls him by name…

If you think you’ve gone too far…

You need to see this.

*It’s early Sunday morning. The city is quiet…but nothing feels at peace. The One

they thought would save them had just been crucified.

Hope had died with Him.

Mary Magdalene walks toward the tomb…bringing spices to anoint His body.

Somewhere in the city, Peter is awake.

Just hours ago, he was ready to fight for Jesus…drawing his sword in the garden.

But now…he can’t escape the sound of HIS OWN VOICE!

” I don’t know Him.”

He said it once. Then again. Then a third time.

When they reach the tomb, they stop.

The stone that sealed it shut…is no longer in place.

Mary steps closer and looks inside. There’s NO BODY! But she’s not alone.

Inside the tomb, they see a young man dressed in a white robe.

Trembling with fear, they listen as he says, ” Do not be afraid. You are looking for

Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen. He is not here.

Then he says, ” Go tell His disciples…”

AND PETER!

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*Why say his name?

Peter had just denied Jesus three times. In that moment, he’s no longer acting like

a disciple. He’s acting like everyone else.

By every standard…Peter doesn’t qualify anymore.

So when the angel says, ” Go tell His disciples…”

Peter shouldn’t BE INCLUDED!

That’s exactly who Jesus calls by name. 

This wasn’t just ABOUT PETER!

Because the truth is…most of us don’t walk away from Jesus all at once.

We drift.

We blend in.

We choose comfort over obedience.

And slowly…without realizing it…we start living like we don’t know Him.

Peter didn’t run toward Jesus after he failed.

He ran FROM HIM!

Because when you fail that hard…you don’t assume you’re still wanted.

You assume YOU’RE DISQUALIFIED!

But the first message from the empty tomb made sure his name was still included.

The next time you think you’ve gone too far for Jesus…pause…

Remember these two words:

“…and Peter.”

That moment you feel disqualified…is when you assume He’s done with you…

He’s NOT!

He’s still calling you by name.

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*Jesus doesn’t wait for people to find their way back to Him.

He moves toward them first. 

That’s just WHAT GRACE DOES!!!