1 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.
Setting the Scene for John 20:1-9
As the sun began to rise on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb where Jesus had been laid after his crucifixion. She was accompanied by a few other women who had been followers of Jesus, carrying spices to anoint his body. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and confusion as they walked through the quiet garden towards the burial site.
Upon reaching the tomb, they were shocked to find the stone rolled away from the entrance. Mary’s heart raced as she peered inside, only to discover that the body of Jesus was missing. Panic and fear gripped the group as they tried to make sense of what had happened. Suddenly, two angels appeared in dazzling white robes, causing the women to fall to the ground in awe.
Just then, Jesus himself appeared before them, his presence filling the garden with a sense of peace and wonder. He spoke gently to Mary, calling her by name and reassuring her that he had risen from the dead, just as he had promised. The women were overcome with joy and amazement at this miraculous sight, knowing that their beloved teacher and friend had conquered death.
What is John 20:1-9 about?
This verse holds a profound significance in the Christian faith as it marks the pivotal moment of Jesus’ resurrection. Imagine the astonishment of Mary Magdalene and the disciples as they found the tomb empty, the stone rolled away, and encountered the angels who announced Jesus’s resurrection. This event not only confirmed Jesus’s divinity and power over death but also fulfilled the prophecies that had been foretold.
The discovery of the empty tomb symbolizes hope, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of despair and death, there is always the promise of new life and transformation. We reflect on this verse, embracing the message of resurrection, trusting in God’s power to bring forth new beginnings from seemingly impossible situations, and walking in the light of Christ’s eternal love and grace.
Understanding what John 20:1-9 really means
To fully understand John 20:1-9, we will break down the passage into key themes and phrases, linking them to other biblical texts and considering their relevance to contemporary life.
1. The Empty Tomb: A Sign of Resurrection
The narrative begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb. This discovery sets the stage for the revelation of Christ’s resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The empty tomb is not just a physical reality but a powerful sign of Jesus’ victory over death. This aligns with Jesus’ prediction in John 2:19, where He says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Reflecting on this, it challenges us to consider what ’empty tombs’ in our lives—situations that appear hopeless—might actually be opportunities for new beginnings.
2. Mary Magdalene’s Role: A Witness to the Resurrection
Mary Magdalene’s role is significant. She is the first to witness the empty tomb and announces it to the disciples. This highlights the importance of women in Jesus’ ministry and the early church. It’s reminiscent of how God often uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. Her role in today’s world reminds us about the often underappreciated contributions of women in spiritual and communal settings.
3. The Disciples’ Reaction: A Journey from Doubt to Faith
When Peter and John hear Mary’s news, they run to the tomb. Their initial confusion and subsequent belief underscore the journey from doubt to faith. It’s relatable to anyone who has struggled with doubts yet found their faith reaffirmed through personal experiences. The moment John sees the linen wrappings and believes without seeing Jesus’ body is a powerful testament to faith. It calls us to trust in God’s promises even when we do not have all the answers.
4. Scriptural Fulfillment: Understanding Through Revelation
John notes that the disciples did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. This highlights the progressive nature of revelation and understanding in our faith journey. It’s akin to the realization that comes from reflecting on our life experiences in light of God’s Word. Understanding often unfolds over time, encouraging us to delve deeper into Scripture.
5. Relevance Today: Hope in Despair
The themes from this passage resonate deeply with contemporary issues of despair and hope. For instance, consider a personal story of someone who faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge—a job loss, a health crisis, or a broken relationship. Initially, it felt like the end, much like the empty tomb seemed to signify Jesus’ end. Yet, through faith and perseverance, this person found a new path, mirroring the resurrection’s promise of new life.
**6. Ask yourself in light of this passage: What are the ’empty tombs’ in my life? How can I, like Mary Magdalene, be a witness to hope in my community? You need to journey from doubt to faith in what ways? Such questions can help us internalize the message of the resurrection and apply it to our daily lives. John 20:1-9 invites us to witness the transformative power of the resurrection. It challenges us to recognize the signs of new life in our own experiences, to appreciate the contributions of all individuals in our faith journey, and to trust in God’s promises even amidst doubt. May this passage inspire us to live as witnesses to the hope and renewal that Christ’s resurrection brings.
What does belief in the resurrection mean?
Belief in the resurrection, as depicted in John 20:1-9, means accepting the historical event of Jesus rising from the dead three days after his crucifixion. It signifies faith in the central tenet of Christianity that Jesus conquered death, validating his identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of prophecies. Believing in the resurrection provides hope for eternal life and redemption from sin, based on the belief that Jesus’ resurrection offers believers the chance to experience spiritual rebirth and salvation.
Furthermore, the account in John 20:1-9 emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in confirming the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. It underscores the role of faith in perceiving the significance of this event, as even the closest followers of Jesus had to witness and believe in his resurrection to fully understand its transformative power. Belief in the resurrection, therefore, entails not only acknowledging the historical occurrence but also embracing its spiritual implications and allowing it to shape one’s understanding of God, salvation, and the afterlife.
Application
Think about your day, packed with meetings and family commitments. Pause and ask yourself: are you actively seeking what’s truly important? Mary Magdalene and the disciples didn’t hesitate; they took action to find Jesus. They didn’t let doubt or fear hold them back. Can you commit to seeking His presence with the same dedication in your life? What will you do today to actively follow Him?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.