John 20:1–10 (ESV)
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. 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.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
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How should we read the text?
This is a fascinating passage that invites us to think through a number of questions. First, notice the timing: the resurrection happened on the first day of the new week. It’s fitting that this new era in God’s plan begins on the first day—pointing to the dawn of something entirely new.
Second, John’s Gospel stresses that Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the empty tomb. In the cultural context of the time, a woman’s testimony was not highly regarded, so this intentional detail points to God’s surprising way of revealing truth. In fact, the fact that women were the first witnesses is often highlighted as evidence that the resurrection truly happened, because if you were fabricating the story, you would choose witnesses considered reliable in that culture.
We also see the personalities of the two disciples: one outruns Peter but hesitates at the entrance, while Peter charges straight in. Another detail we shouldn’t miss is that the face cloth was folded up separately. This wasn’t a hasty theft of a body; it shows that Jesus took deliberate time before leaving the tomb.
Finally, John says he “saw and believed,” though he did not yet fully understand the Scriptures about Jesus rising from the dead. Later, Jesus would say that those who believe without seeing are even more blessed. After seeing the empty tomb, the disciples went home—perhaps still puzzled, still wrestling with what it all meant.
How should the text read us?
This passage confronts our own slowness to believe in God’s promises. Like Mary and the disciples, we can be confused, needing tangible proofs. Even when we see clear evidence of God’s power, our hearts may still hesitate. We can reflect on where we’re prone to doubt and pray for faith that moves beyond the need for obvious signs.
We’re also called to embrace the resurrection. The empty tomb is the bedrock of our faith, the cornerstone of our hope. Everything—our lives now and our eternal future—rests on Christ’s victory over death. Because the resurrection happened on the first day of the week, it’s also the first day of a new creation. In Christ, we enter a new era: we’re a new creation with a renewed life.
Finally, this passage challenges us to remain curious and reflective. The disciples “went back to their homes,” presumably to process the implications of what they had seen. We too should make time to think, pray, and meditate on the truths God reveals, rather than rushing on too quickly.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for yet another day where we can engage with Scripture and see the wonder of the resurrection. Perhaps we are like Mary—confused, thinking you might be missing. Or like the disciples—needing boldness to step into this new day and new reality. Wherever we find ourselves, help us to trust your promises and to live our new, resurrection life with confidence. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
That’s it for today’s devotion. If this has been helpful, please share it with someone, and we’ll see you again next time.
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