The Empty Tomb

John 20:1-10

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 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.”. 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Notes

They buried the King; they saw Him die. He was placed in a rich man’s tomb, which Joseph of Arimathea owned. Nicodemus, a rabbi, brought extravagant gifts of aloes and myrrh. That was Friday, and there was no movement during the Sabbath, but Sunday would arrive. It would be the most uncommon Sunday because the disciples would witness the empty tomb. The writer recorded Mary, Peter, and the unnamed disciple as their first reactions. The unnamed disciple would reveal himself as the writer of the account. Many scholars believe that it was John the Beloved.

1. The Empty Tomb

   On the third day since the King was crucified, the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. It was empty. She thought they had taken the body of the Lord somewhere. Mary Magdalene rushed to tell Peter and the unnamed disciple.

   
   Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 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.” (John 20:1-2).
   

   Application: We proclaim the empty tomb not because someone stole the body but because He rose from the dead. Some people might feel confused about the account of the empty tomb, but we will explain the disciples' testimony to them. Every Sunday, the first day of the week, we celebrate the resurrection and the new life (as a new creation) we now have in Him.
   

2. Disciples Investigate

   After hearing Mary Magdalene's report, Peter and the unnamed disciple ran to the tomb. The unnamed disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. All they saw were linen cloths, and the face cloth was folded
   
   3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself (John 20:3-7).

   Application: The account of the resurrection is founded on witnesses who clearly articulated what they saw in detail. Moreover, these witnesses suffered for proclaiming what they saw and heard. The resurrection showed the power of the Father in the resurrection of the Son.

3. The Disciple Believed

   The unnamed disciple believed. The writer of the account acknowledged that the disciples did not understand the Scripture that the Messiah would rise from the dead. Jesus would soon appear to them and open their minds to the Scripture.

   
   8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes (John 20:8-10).

   Application: Spiritual understanding might come gradually. Therefore, we must trust in God’s word and persist in learning more about Him through it. Stay anchored on His word, especially whenever our faith is tested.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What was Mary Magdalene's reaction when she saw the stone rolled away?

2. What was Peter and John's reaction to the empty tomb?

3. Why were the grave clothes significant evidence of the resurrection?