Since Jesus’ body had been laid to rest, his followers would have all been experiencing their own grief and loss. It had been three days, and we see how Peter, John, and Mary responded. Mary arrived at the tomb while it was still dark. I imagine she couldn’t sleep and was missing her Lord. If only she could get closer, maybe she would feel less lonely. She must have been horrified to find Jesus’ body missing.
Peter and John were the disciples Mary found to help her process what was happening. The story had to have sounded incredible because the disciples’ immediate response was to run and see for themselves. In typical “ambitious” Peter style, he burst into the tomb immediately upon arrival, while John was cautiously looking inside. I think I would have been more like John, curious but not quite as bold.
Mary was sure someone had taken Jesus’ body. What other explanation would there be? She must not have been remembering Jesus telling them he would rise again. Even if those words had been heard, the meaning was not understood or remembered. However, in that moment, Peter and John believed and realized prophecy had been fulfilled.
It is good for us to take time to sit with the truth that Jesus died for us. We have read about how he prepared his followers to understand his mission. It took them a little while to see the picture clearly, but still, the fact remains that God stepped down into humanity to save us. That is the truth we should reflect on regularly to keep our connection with God strong. In any friendship, we often relive positive memories and look forward to making new ones in the future. It’s like that with Jesus, too, isn’t it?
Oh, to have been Mary that day! She experienced the ultimate rollercoaster ride of emotions, but in the end, Mary saw her risen Lord standing in front of her. Can you imagine that? It’s the ultimate example of how Jesus makes our sorrow turn into joy. It was just a few chapters back that Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” (John 16:20)
Many have been curious why Mary didn’t recognize Jesus. Maybe it was still too dark to see, maybe the “gardener” was too far away, maybe Jesus chose to hide himself, or perhaps Jesus had stepped into his beautiful, glorified body. Mary was certainly not expecting to see Jesus alive that morning. She hadn’t yet recalled his promise.
As you sit here today, what emotions course through your veins as you imagine yourself near that empty tomb? Are there questions you have? Maybe it is the folded grave clothes for you. Take time to let your mind grasp the miracle that just happened on the pages of Scripture. Jesus was dead, and now he’s not. It’s a story we should never forget.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I look forward to the day when I will see you face to face. In the meantime, Lord, I treasure each moment we spend together in your Word and in prayer, communicating the only way we are able. Help me to still my mind so I am ready to hear your voice. Lead me in your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
