Running to the Tomb - Part 1

Name that Disciple. Given a list of character traits or tendencies, Peter is easily the most identifiable of the twelve disciples. First out of the boat? Peter. First to speak his mind or slice off an ear? Peter. And  first to burst into the tomb that Resurrection Day? Peter. Of course, we reason; he was the impulsive one.

A few Easters ago, as I read that familiar part of the story, Peter's persistence struck a different chord. Could it be Peter wasn't just reacting in his typical spontaneous way? Could it be he was compelled to run? Could it be he had been thinking so much over the preceding days that he couldn't help but race into the reportedly empty tomb?

Back up to another well-known story: Peter's denial. Anyone who has attended Sunday School in late March or early April knows of Peter's dramatic foible. Though he had been overconfident of both his willingness to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and his determination to go to the grave ahead of Him, Peter was tripped up by a servant girl and a few others. Before he knew it, he had denied his Master. Three times. Immediate regret followed, evidenced by bitter tears and weeping.

Can you imagine? How heavy his weight, his guilt. If ever Peter had wanted to scream, "Do-over!" this would've been it. Surely, the sorrowful look on Jesus' face and the noxious rooster's crow were seared into his conscience. Sleep must have eluded him as he repeatedly beat himself up. I doubt he thought of much else. Christ was going to the cross, and Peter was crushed by the weight of it all.

Maybe someone tried to comfort him, "Hey, man. You didn't really mean it. We were all under a lot of stress. Jesus would understand." If so, the words probably bounced right off. Peter did remember Jesus' foretelling. Jesus had known, and he had arrogantly brushed Him off. I wonder if, in his despair, Peter recalled what Jesus had promised right before He predicted the triple denial: 

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.
And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus' prediction was loaded with permission, power, and promise. Satan was required to ask permission. Jesus had prayed for Peter's response. He knew that in Peter's free will, the choice to deny would be made. Certainly, He understood how words Peter's words would sting. He anticipated Satan would be there to rub salt in the wounds in every possible way. Yet, Jesus granted the permission, and He prayed. 

Part 2: http://themarymoment.blogspot.com/2012/04/running-to-tomb-part-2.html