The Dawn of Hope: Running Toward Resurrection
"Early 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. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead." - John 20:1-9
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon on that significant Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene embarked on a journey to the tomb of Jesus. The events that transpired during those early hours not only changed her life but reshaped the permanence of despair into the promise of hope. In John 20:1-9 (KJV), we find a compelling narrative that highlights the beginning of something miraculous, rendering our understanding of grief, loss, and ultimately, resurrection.
"Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark..."
Mary's journey to the tomb signifies more than a physical act; it unfolds as an emotional pilgrimage through her mourning. It was still dark, both literally and metaphorically. She arrived at the tomb carrying not only spices to anoint Jesus’ body but also the heavy burden of sorrow and disbelief that weighed her down. The darkness represented the confusion and despair in her heart, reflecting the trauma of witnessing Jesus' crucifixion.
As she approached the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away, her heart must have raced with fear and bewilderment—"They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." (verse 2). In her frantic concern, Mary exemplifies our human inclination to search for answers, to grasp the implications of loss. But in her cry, we also encounter a profound truth: sometimes, in the face of darkness and confusion, we cannot see the miracle unfolding right before our eyes.
"Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple... ran together..." (verse 3). The race to the tomb paints a vivid picture of urgency and desperation. Peter, often characterized by his impulsive nature, quickly responded to Mary’s alarming news. The other disciple, identified as the one whom Jesus loved, also joined in, perhaps moved by a mix of adrenaline and belief. Their sprint symbolizes our own frantic pursuits in life when we are chasing after clarity, understanding, or hope in our darkest hours.
When the disciples arrived at the tomb, it was evident that doubts lingered. The younger disciple paused at the entrance, careful yet curious—"Yet he did not go in" (verse 5). How often do we stand at the threshold of our doubts, hesitant to confront the unknown? When Peter charged in and saw the linen cloths lying there in disarray, the scene spoke volumes about the events that had occurred. The handkerchief that had been around Jesus’ head was folded neatly, a profound detail that signifies intention and preparation even amidst chaos.
"Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed" (verse 8). This moment is pivotal, marking the shift from uncertainty to belief. Their understanding of Scripture had not yet fully developed, yet they bore witness to resurrection’s transformative power.
The occurrence at the tomb leads us to profound reflections about faith's journey. Jesus had previously foretold his resurrection, yet in this moment of witness, both disciples began to connect the dots of faith amidst confusion. They realized that even in their darkest hour, God’s plan was in motion. For us, this teaches an invaluable lesson: even when we cannot see God’s hand, trust that He is at work.
As we contemplate this passage, let us consider our own responses in times of loss or darkness. Are we willing to run toward the tombs of our despair with the expectation of finding hope? As we embrace our fears and uncertainties, we discover the promise that the stone has been rolled away. The resurrection of Christ dismantles our mourning, replacing it with joy and the assurance that death does not have the final say.
In the coming weeks, as we reflect on this scripture, may we allow the reality of the resurrection to spark new faith in our hearts. The challenge before us is not merely to believe but to recognize that each dark moment holds the potential for beauty and transformation. He is risen, and in Him, we find our ultimate hope.
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John 20:1-9 Artwork
John 20:1-9 - "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)"
"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)" - John 20:1-9
John 20:9 - "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."
John 20:1 - "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre."
John 9:20 - "His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:"
1 John 1:9
John 10:9
John 9:1-3
John 9:1-41
John 1:20 - "And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ."
Acts 9:1-20
Acts 9:1-20
"For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead." - John 20:9
1 John 2:20 - "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things."
John 1:9 - "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
1 John 3:20 - "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things."
John 9:1 - "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth."
"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre." - John 20:1
1 John 2:9 - "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now."
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 Chronicles 9:20 - "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him."
Mark 1:9 - "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan."
"His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:" - John 9:20
"And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ." - John 1:20
3 John 1:9 - "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not."
"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre." - John 20:1
John 20:21
1 Kings 9:20 - "And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,"
1 John 5:9 - "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son."
John 20:14