She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have put him!” Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first.(NLT) 

I want to run to the risen Christ. But like Peter I am aware of my sin, my failure, my intentional detours, my denials, the way I have disappointed. John out runs Peter to the tomb. Some say John was younger, maybe faster. My observation is Peter usually found a way to be first when he wanted. My conjecture is that fear held Peter back. I might even suggest fear - that foreboding cloud of dread and guilt may have even paralyzed Peter had it not been for the love of the Lord himself.

Roll the tape back a few days. Jesus and the twelve are gathered for the Passover meal. They are sitting in the upper room. Even as Jesus speaks of a new covenant, his betrayer and impending crucifixion, mention of the “kingdom” sends the disciples into debate over which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus knowingly turns to Simon Peter and says; “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 (NLT)

There is no way Jesus’ words compute in Peter’s mind. Peter retorts, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” (33) Nevertheless Peter had heard Jesus’ promise to pray for him, for his faith, his restoration and the promise of future worth and purpose. Jesus knew Peter would betray his love. Jesus also knew without his prayer and promise Peter may be overcome by his failure and become a spiritual paralytic.

When I, in different but in so many ways, deny Christ my guilt, shame, and fear - that spirit of failure and defeat - begin their work of paralysis. I know the enemy has brought his power tools to nail me in place, to keep me distant from my Risen Savior. I admit at times - for a time - I get fastened in place, I get held back.

Frozen in place the Spirit whispers truth into my heart. I think how Jesus knows me like he knew Peter. I think about Jesus’ prayer for me. It is the prayer and the yet future promise of God in my life that sends me seeking a Risen Savior whom I have failed.

The gospel of Mark has Peter’s voice, his story behind it. In Mark’s record there is a detail, vital to Peter and something John “the one whom Jesus loved,” personally didn’t find nearly as critical. Its in what the angel at the tomb says, “Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died!” Mark 16:7 (NLT)

Did you catch that? “Including Peter.” Jesus gives a special invitation to the failure. Not so important to John, but if I am Peter (which I often am) it is huge! He wants me! Jesus is alive. Jesus worked things out in spite of my failure. Peter must have thought his failure was the end of the world (like I can think too). But the word from heaven is “include Peter,” Come see Jesus “just as he told you before he died.” Peter begins to think (like I can too), ‘Jesus’ power over evil and death is greater than failure’s power over me!’

When the message hits Peter’s heart hope comes alive. They are suppose to go to Galilee to meet Jesus, but faith is seldom not plagued by doubt. Peter and John run instead to the tomb. Is Jesus really not dead laying in the tomb? Could Jesus really be okay? Hope frees Peter enough to run, but not without haunts of caution.

John gets to the tomb first. Love always outruns fear. Love draws Peter and John to run to the tomb. Fear its not true, fear that it is and he may not be gladly accepted slows Peter’s pace. Peter is a divided man (which I often am). Wanting to run to Jesus, hoping he has triumphed, fearing he has and will be waiting. Peter questions his welcome. It is an added weight. It slows Peter’s pace. John on the other hand, doesn’t carry that weight, love speeds him forward faster.

How is your pace today? Are you running at full speed to meet Jesus? Are you carrying a weight Jesus has not put on you? If you feel like your failure has ruined everything, look at the empty tomb today. God is still God and doing what he said he would do. When you feel like there is little hope for a failure like you, remember Jesus gives a special invitation to failures. Then let your love out run your fear.