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.
John 20:1–10
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene arrived with astonishing news. The tomb was empty.
Peter and John immediately ran toward the garden. John reached the tomb first but paused before entering. Peter rushed inside. Then John stepped in, carefully observed the linen cloths, and believed.
Everything had changed. The cross was no longer the end of the story. Death had been defeated. Jesus was alive.
John would spend the rest of his life proclaiming what he had seen with his own eyes. He was not sharing rumors or religious ideas. He was bearing witness to the risen Christ.
This is exactly how he begins his first letter: “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and touched with our hands…” (1 John 1:1).
John’s faith rested on the historical reality of the resurrection, and because Christ lives, our hope is secure as well. The empty tomb changes everything. It gives purpose to our labor. Hope in our suffering. Confidence in our future. Assurance that sin has been defeated and eternal life has been secured through Jesus Christ.
Like John, we are now called to live as witnesses, not merely declaring that Christ rose long ago, but demonstrating through our lives that the risen Savior is still changing people today.
Lord Jesus, thank You that the tomb is empty and that You are alive forevermore. Strengthen our faith through the certainty of Your resurrection and help us live each day as joyful witnesses to the hope we have in You. May our lives point others to the risen Christ until He comes again.
Living as a Witness,
eep
