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
The chaotic morning.
The two Marys and Joanna bringing the spices discovering the empty tomb. Seeing two angels and having heard their message. Running back to tell the disciples. Peter and John’s foot race to the tomb Mary following behind them. Peter’s bold entrance. John’s confirmation seeing it for himself. Peter and John immediately go back home stunned. Mary hangs around weeping and finds the ‘gardener’.
Think for a minute — Peter and John STILL don’t know for sure within themselves — but obviously are confused. Mary now knows seeing and hearing the two angels and having met the ‘gardener’ and spoken to Him. And goes back to tell the other disciples again. And according to John Jesus doesn’t show up till evening. Probably because Jesus has a ‘walk’ and a meeting with two others on the road to Emmaus that day.
Imagine that day — as a disciple not knowing what to really think. Hearing the women’s stories and Peter and John’s account of the empty tomb, things were now getting a bit crazy. Mary wasn’t really one to be a person to tell ‘fanciful’ stories … but… it seemed a bit much, but then Jesus’s mom and Joanna saw angels too with Mary. ‘Where there are two or three witnesses’ they’re thinking. Thomas is indignant, brooding, angry and saying things that were out of character for even him. The other disciples are also wondering why Jesus hadn’t appeared to them yet.
Waiting and wondering “Is it too much to hope? Could this be really happening? Wait, … was this what Jesus meant about …?” How many times have you waited to hear from the Holy Spirit — wondering what Jesus will do with your request(s)? We in our human nature do very poorly with …waiting.
God’s timing.
Oh how we have difficulty with God’s timing. We hope … but in reality we steel ourselves against hope not wanting to be crushed again in hoping for something that isn’t going to come. Often rehearsing and asking ourselves “But did God really promise us this?” The disciples, most likely throughout the day, come to the realization that the situation is really getting serious. What will the Romans do now — with this controversy?! Will they attempt to take out all the disciples now? Are they waiting for the Roman soldiers to come breaking through the door at any moment? Could some faction actually have stolen Jesus’ body? But what about the women’s testimonies? Our minds spin all sorts of scenarios while we …wait.
Then the two from the road encounter return to Jerusalem to tell the disciples and all those that had gathered to figure out what to do next. MORE confirmation. I can imagine the feelings of the disciples who had yet to see Jesus. Confusion, hurt that Jesus hadn’t come to them yet, yet a small hope is beginning to rise in most of them. Thomas is still brooding in the corner.
And then all of sudden … in that locked room … there He was.
Shock, fear, wide eyes, wondering if they were seeing a ‘spirit’, frozen in place and can’t move. And then He spoke to them.
“Peace to you!… Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” Luke 24:36,38-39
The wash of emotions through all of them must have been fast and overwhelming. I can see Mary smiling with tears pooling again in her eyes. Thomas from the corner has a stern shocked look on his face. Peter and John have scrambled to stand up. Others are hesitant to move. Then Jesus asks for them to check out His scars and then asks for food?! What a massively emotional day.
Oh …the glorious days have just begun.