The Living Christ: Part 2

John 20: 1-10

“1 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. 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 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who 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 returned to their homes.”

Everyone in these verses is described as running; first Mary Magdalene ran from the tomb to Simon Peter.  Then, Simon Peter and John ran to the tomb (actually raced) to see things for themselves.  

Mary Magdalene told the two disciples that Jesus’ body had been removed from the tomb.  Peter and John, entering the tomb saw the linen wrappings and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head.  This cloth had been rolled up and placed separate from the linen wrappings.

From this evidence, Peter and John were able to surmise that Jesus had risen, that his body had not been stolen.  Someone stealing his body would not have taken the time to unwrap it from the linen wrappings, and take the face covering, roll it, and place it gently in a corner.

Because of the resurrection, the disciples were taken from their despair and given hope.  Their Savior, their Lord, their Messiah had conquered death.

This same hope is offered to us today.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)