John 20:1-10
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s passage John’s narrative takes an unprecedented turn. Everything is about to change. Read John 20:1-10 imagining yourself as one of the three followers of Jesus who have come to Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday morning.
These three followers of Jesus are dealing their own individual confusion and grief along with their communal grief as they approach the tomb. Just hours ago their hopes died along with their beloved leader, and they are disoriented and aching with sadness.
Mary sets out first, early in the morning - most likely bleary from lack of sleep and with no real idea of what she plans to do when she gets to the tomb. When she arrives she sees the heavy stone off to one side and the garden tomb empty inside. Alone in her disorientation she cannot make sense of this sight and she runs to find someone who might care as much as she does.
Humans were created in the image of a God who exists in community. Though the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is in many ways beyond human comprehension, the triune nature of God points out our need for relationships. In our most disorienting moments, we need each other.
Stop to consider this for a moment: you are created in the image of God who lives in perpetual community.
How are you seeking to live as part of the new community of Jesus? If you found yourself grieving and disoriented, would you know who to run to? Would any others in the new community of Jesus run to you in their distress? Talk with Jesus about any thoughts or feelings you have about this.
Read John 20:1-10 again focusing on the “other disciple.”
We understand “the other” disciple to be John himself, and here we see him rushing ahead into the unknown. But rather than barrel into the tomb, he stops at the entrance. One has to wonder if a glimmer of hope has permeated his despair. Does John recall Jesus’ words about rising again? Does a Scripture come to his mind? John doesn’t tell us what causes him to pause, but he does tell us that when he enters the tomb everything clicks into place. He sees and believes.
Have you ever had an experience where things clicked into place for you and your questions, grief or fears were silenced? Take a moment to reflect on this.
Are you in the midst of grief, disorientation or fear right now? What do you want to say to Jesus about this?
As you end this time of meditation, speak to Jesus sharing as honestly as you can about what you are thinking and feeling.
If at any point you sense Jesus inviting you to an action of some kind, follow through today.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
