When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭31‬-‭35‬
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

We find ourselves at an interesting place in the story of Jesus: He had lived the life of a great prophet: healing, casting out demons, preaching the truth and calling the Jews to return to God. More recently, he was crucified and buried. And now, some of his women followers are coming back to the disciples to tell them of a visit from the angels at the tomb. They are telling them that Jesus is no longer there.

I think for the eleven disciples, there are likely a lot of questions running through their minds. First, before this news, questions might have come to mind like these: Why did I spend years following Jesus if he was not going to be the Messiah and save us now? What good were my devotion and efforts here? What am I to do now, Jesus is gone and life seems so barren and dismal and unimportant without him?

Have you ever asked these types of questions of yourself?

Now insert the women from the tomb. Out of love and duty, they were faithful to try to embalm the body. These bewildered disciples of Jesus, in listening to these women speak, really only heard “nonsensical” language coming out. It made no sense to them, with the questions they had roaming around in their minds.

So we find Peter, who runs out to investigate. He sees the sight described by the women, but he still cannot understand what happened. He is bewildered; he is maybe in a bit of shock.

Peter’s journey is a parallel story (though with different motivators, actions, and responses) to the story of Jesus. He was a hard-headed fisherman who was called to follow Jesus. He was fiercely loyal, but not always very perceptive. (He sounds a lot like me, at times). He was the first to step out of the boat and walk on water, but also the first to sink due to lack of faith. He swore allegiance to Jesus to the death, but when Jesus didn’t fight or resist his arrest, he denied knowing him. And now, when the women come back to share the message from the angels, he still does not believe their message.

Peter suffered from a stubborn heart, steeped in sin. It is what we all suffer from. And God’s Spirit works on his believers to free us from our unbelief and instill spiritual confidence in our hearts. In order to accomplish this, he has to teach us to hear his voice. Peter was still not receptive to Jesus’ voice because he was focused on the tough circumstances around him.

Jesus is quoted here in ‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ (emphasis mine): “He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those ON THE OUTSIDE everything is said in parables so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ ”

How many times can I say the same about me? I focus on unfair, challenging, or outright evil things happening around me and complain, worry, and lash out, instead of focusing on Jesus and listening to his voice or the messengers he is sending me. If we are ever hearing but never understanding, and ever seeing but never perceiving, then we must ask ourselves the question: “Am I on the outside of a relationship with Jesus looking in? Do I know all about him without really understanding and hearing his heart?”

Lord, I repent of my pride and anger in the moments of challenge and trial in life. You are FOR ME and are in control. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬). Help me to claim this verse and truly listen for your voice and be patient to hear your plan!