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John 20:1-10
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Grace Prayed For
Courage and Hope: Like Peter and the beloved disciple, may we have the courage to run towards the unknown, trusting in God’s plan even when things seem unclear.
Running Towards Faith in the Unknown
This Easter season passage paints a vivid picture of confusion, urgency, and ultimately, belief. Mary Magdalene, filled with love and devotion for Jesus, discovers the empty tomb and immediately seeks out Peter and the beloved disciple. Her words, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb,” echo the despair and uncertainty of that moment.
Peter and the beloved disciple rush towards the tomb, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. The beloved disciple arrives first, but hesitates, peering into the darkness. Peter, bolder but perhaps less insightful, enters the tomb, confirming the absence of the body. Yet, it’s the beloved disciple who, upon seeing the empty burial cloths, truly comprehends the miracle that has taken place. He “saw and believed.”
This scene teaches us several valuable lessons:
- The Power of Love: Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus propels her to action. It’s her devotion that leads her to the tomb and drives her to seek answers. Love, even in the face of loss, can be a powerful motivator and source of strength.
- The Race towards Faith: The disciples’ race to the tomb symbolizes our own spiritual journeys. We often find ourselves running towards the unknown, seeking answers and yearning for understanding. It’s in those moments of urgency and questioning that faith can begin to blossom.
- Seeing and Believing: The beloved disciple’s experience reminds us that true faith often requires more than physical sight. It’s about seeing with the eyes of our hearts, recognizing the divine presence even in the midst of confusion and doubt.
- The Gradual Unveiling of Truth: The disciples didn’t immediately understand the scripture that foretold Jesus’ resurrection. Their faith was a gradual process, unfolding as they encountered evidence and wrestled with their own understanding.
As we celebrate the Easter season, let us reflect on our own journeys of faith. Are we running towards the unknown with love and courage, seeking answers and yearning for understanding? Are we willing to see with the eyes of our hearts, trusting in the divine presence even when things seem unclear?
May we, like the beloved disciple, come to see and believe, embracing the transformative power of the Resurrection in our lives.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Embracing Vulnerability: The disciples’ initial confusion and fear mirror our own struggles with doubt and uncertainty. This passage reminds us that it’s okay to be vulnerable with Jesus and bring our questions and anxieties to Him. He welcomes us as we are, even in our moments of weakness.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post