Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb.
Two men hear that the body of their Lord and master has been taken from its tomb. Immediately they run. Charging into action they race each other to the tomb. John outruns Peter and arrives first.
The two men are very different. Peter is more outspoken than any of the other disciples. John is possibly the youngest of the disciples. The style of his gospel sets him apart as a man who is thoughtful and emotionally sensitive. At the tomb, John hesitates. Peter does not. Peter runs straight into the tomb.
All this time, from the moment Mary set out to go to the tomb, the earth has continued its rotation. The sun rises and begins to warm the land. The great City of David starts to come to life. After the quiet of the Sabbath events start to move again. It is as if the whole of history comes to a complete stop for a day. Now, after the Sabbath rest, history begins again.
As John and Peter approach the tomb their eyes confirm that the stone blocking the door had been removed. The tomb stands open. Once inside, Peter is confronted by its emptiness.
Application: The cross is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. The empty tomb is a symbol of His power over death. It is important to keep both of these symbols in mind when thinking about our Lord.
Food for Thought: How important is the empty tomb to Christianity? Should we talk about it more? Is it irrelevant in light of Jesus returning in person later on?
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I think the empty tomb is very significant. It shows that they knew where the body was placed. It shows that when they see Jesus it is not a twin or stunt double as some crazy conspiracies have claimed. Besides its apologetic value, it shows that our Lord really died for us and really defeated death. It speaks to both His love for us and His power to do something about our terrible plight.
Rich,
Thank you! Nicely said!!
“Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior: He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord. Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes: He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign!” What better symbol of victory over death than the empty tomb. 1 Corinthians 15.
Well put JEC