The Resurrection of Jesus

John 20:1–10
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Almost all biographies end with the death and burial of the subject. I am sure that you have never read one that describes the subject’s resurrection from the dead. The fact that John shared the resurrection miracle is proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This section of John’s Gospel provides a powerful eyewitness testimony of the Resurrection. On Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Christ (v. 1). She had been an observer at the cross and was then the first person to go to the grave. A large stone had been rolled in front of the tomb and sealed by the authority of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:65-66). Mary Magdalene was no doubt wondering how she would ever get the huge stone moved from in front of the tomb. When she arrived, however, the stone had already been moved. But then, she had a bigger problem. The body was missing. The stone was not rolled away so Jesus could get out, but so others could get in.

Mary ran to tell this startling news to Peter and John (v.  2). They immediately ran to find out what had happened (vv. 3-4). John arrived first but seemed to hesitate outside. Peter rushed right into the tomb (vv. 5-6). To his amazement, the graveclothes were lying there as an empty cocoon, still retaining the shape of Jesus’ body. Even the headband was folded and lying in a separate place (v. 7). It was quite obvious that the body had not been stolen. Then John joined Peter inside the tomb (v. 8). The teaching of Christ’s resurrection was now beginning to dawn on them (v. 9). The only way those linen clothes could be left in that condition would be if Jesus passed through them as He arose from the dead. Jesus had told them many times that He would be raised from the dead. Peter and John returned home to tell the others (v. 10).

Application

Although Jesus had told His disciples many times that He would rise from the dead, they did not really believe Him. What has He promised to do for me that perhaps I have not fully believed?