The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. Even one of the most ardent opponents of Christ’s death-to-resurrection plan became its greatest proclaimer. No, we are not talking about the apostle Paul but rather the apostle Peter. Take a walk with us through the New Testament and listen to Peter’s own words.
Peter opposed Jesus’ death-to-resurrection plan. Jesus told his disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised to life on the third day—but Peter took him aside and rebuked him: God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to you! Matthew 16:21-22 A little later in life, Peter even went so far as denying ever knowing Jesus: I don’t know what you are talking about… I don’t know the man… I don’t know the man. Matthew 26:70, 72, 74 But Peter was one of the few who actually entered the tomb where Jesus had been laid and found it empty. Within months he stepped out from hiding to speak boldly in the public square: God raised up Jesus and we are all witnesses to it. Acts 2:32
Peter came to understand that in the death-to-resurrection event: Jesus bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; by his wounds you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24 Jesus’ own blood was the currency that bought true life in God’s economy for: you were ransomed from the empty way of life inherited from your forefathers not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19 As a result, God opened the way to grant believers: new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading that is kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ took a man who would not allow talk of it to go on to spread its significance across the centuries. A living hope into a great inheritance is now available! The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything!
