34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
It is interesting that the one name mentioned is Simon Peter’s. As the two men return from their walk to Emmaus, they report that Jesus has appeared to Simon, the one who denied knowing Jesus three times in the final hours before his death. The disciple who insisted he would never deny Jesus is the one to whom Jesus appears first. Even those who deny Jesus can return. In fact, Jesus is reaching out to them, actively seeking their return. So as the two return from their double journey, having walked one way with Jesus and rapidly returning to report the encounter, they report that the one who rejected has been accepted. I can imagine that Simon Peter must have been overjoyed at this moment, not able to express his tremendously overwhelming sense of relief and humility. They confirm Jesus’ resurrection to the whole group gathered. The women had already reported this, having been told so by the angel at the tomb. Now the men affirm their report, having seen for themselves. The group is about to get confirmation through His personal appearance among them. But all this meant more to Simon. Jesus appeared to him. He was forgiven. He was accepted back into relationship. It is when we come face to face with our greatest weaknesses that we recognize the grace of God to the greatest extent. The reality of Simon’s denial made the reality of his acceptance tangible. And if the Lord could accept Simon Peter back into fellowship, He will accept us. We just need to turn around and stop running away. He is right behind us, pursuing us. Turn today. He is right here with you.
The Arnold Journey 