The Lord Jesus is Seen by Peter
The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
Luke 24:34
Read Luke 24:33-40
What is the best evidence that the risen Lord is the same Person Whom the
disciples followed during His ministry in Israel? The disciples’ saying to the
Emmaeus travelers as they entered the upper room: “The risen Lord has appeared
unto Simon!” It simply could not be anyone else; it must have been
the Lord Jesus.
If the Lord had appeared to Simon before Good Friday, no one would have
been surprised. It would have been quite natural, for Peter was seen as the
leading disciple. If the Lord appeared to any of the disciples, of course it
would be Peter.
Perhaps this is how matters would have developed if Peter had not denied
the Lord Jesus on Good Friday. But their relationship had changed. Simon
did not dare include himself with the others. The famous painter Rembrandt
painted a scene in which Peter gives the keys of the kingdom of Heaven back
to Christ, for he no longer had any rights to them. In all probability, the other
disciples asked themselves whether Peter even belonged to their circle any
longer.
But this is not a consideration for the Lord Jesus. He included Simon among
the twelve. In fact, He made special mention of him when He sent the women
to tell His disciples of His resurrection: “Go tell my disciples and Peter.”
(Mark 16:7) When the Lord actually appeared to His followers, He went to
Peter first.
So it must be that the risen Lord is Christ Jesus. There is so much comfort in
this self-revelation: Simon saw the Lord Jesus also. Is this not encouraging?
Thought: That the Lord appears to anyone at all is due to His grace.
Psalter 444:4 (based on Psalm 103)
Jehovah will not chide with us forever
Nor always keep His anger, but deliver
His people from their sorrows and distress.
He has not crushed the flock of His possession,
Nor dealt with us according to transgression;
He chastens, but with love and tenderness.
