‘Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.’
Mary’s arrival at the tomb is a testament to her devotion and courage. Visiting the tomb alone, while it was still dark, symbolises a deep commitment, even in the face of uncertainty and grief. Upon seeing the stone rolled away, Mary runs to alert Simon Peter and the beloved disciple, presumed to be John. Her message is a mixture of fear and confusion: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Peter and John’s responses to Mary’s news reflect different aspects of human nature—the urgency to discover the truth and the desire to understand the unfolding events. John arrives at the tomb first, but he pauses. This hesitation can be interpreted as a moment of reverence or contemplation. It’s a powerful reminder of how approaching sacred experiences often requires a pause to internalise their magnitude. Peter, known for his impulsive nature, enters the tomb immediately. His straightforward approach contrasts with John’s, yet both are invaluable in the quest for understanding.
Deeper Dive
The passage tells us that John saw and believed. However, it notes the apostles did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. This demonstrates that faith is both an emotional realisation and an intellectual understanding that grows over time. The passage vividly illustrates the transition from doubt to belief. The empty tomb not only signifies victory over death but serves as an invitation to embrace faith. This account highlights hope amid uncertainty. The empty tomb was initially a source of confusion, yet it transformed into a symbol of eternal hope and new beginnings. The scripture emphasises the role of witnessing in spreading faith. Mary, Peter, and John’s experiences encourage believers to share personal encounters with the divine, fostering a collective journey of faith. John 20:1-9 is as relevant today as it was in the early days of Christianity. It challenges believers to recognise the signs of hope in their lives, even when faced with confusion and doubt.
‘Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.’
Mary’s arrival at the tomb is a testament to her devotion and courage. Visiting the tomb alone, while it was still dark, symbolises a deep commitment, even in the face of uncertainty and grief. Upon seeing the stone rolled away, Mary runs to alert Simon Peter and the beloved disciple, presumed to be John. Her message is a mixture of fear and confusion: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Peter and John’s responses to Mary’s news reflect different aspects of human nature—the urgency to discover the truth and the desire to understand the unfolding events. John arrives at the tomb first, but he pauses. This hesitation can be interpreted as a moment of reverence or contemplation. It’s a powerful reminder of how approaching sacred experiences often requires a pause to internalise their magnitude. Peter, known for his impulsive nature, enters the tomb immediately. His straightforward approach contrasts with John’s, yet both are invaluable in the quest for understanding.
Deeper Dive
The passage tells us that John saw and believed. However, it notes the apostles did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. This demonstrates that faith is both an emotional realisation and an intellectual understanding that grows over time. The passage vividly illustrates the transition from doubt to belief. The empty tomb not only signifies victory over death but serves as an invitation to embrace faith. This account highlights hope amid uncertainty. The empty tomb was initially a source of confusion, yet it transformed into a symbol of eternal hope and new beginnings. The scripture emphasises the role of witnessing in spreading faith. Mary, Peter, and John’s experiences encourage believers to share personal encounters with the divine, fostering a collective journey of faith. John 20:1-9 is as relevant today as it was in the early days of Christianity. It challenges believers to recognise the signs of hope in their lives, even when faced with confusion and doubt.
