Devos- Pinedale Christian Church

Wednesday
Sep 14th, 2022

By: Matthew Sink

The Gospel of John-Day 73

John 20:1-10 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.

When I read John’s account of Resurrection Morning, I’m struck by two key details: 1) That John makes a point to record in Scripture that he outran Peter to the tomb. Men, right? He couldn’t resist taking one last shot to rub it in! :) 2) That Peter charged past John at the door and went straight into the tomb. To me, that act speaks volumes about this moment. In Marks’ account, (which was likely voiced by Simon Peter), we see that Mary Magdelene encountered an angel at the tomb, and he had a special message: But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” ⁸ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.

Did you catch the phrase? “And Peter.” “Go and tell His Disciples ... and Peter ...” Those two words might seem like an afterthought for us, but for Peter, they must have represented hope. When he denied His Lord for the third time, Jesus turned and looked at Him, a deep, penetrating look that convicted Peter to His core. Now, with those two words the Lord offers an invitation for His fallen friend.

No wonder Peter charged past John and ran into the tomb. He had no more need for caution. He needed to find Jesus. He needed to experience the resurrection for Himself. He needed to know for sure that the story wasn’t over; he still had time to live for Christ.

There is something so profound in Peter’s example. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and Jesus invites us all to come and meet Him. So run. Don’t stand back, cautious, and examine from a distance. Run to Him as one who has a chance for new life. You’ll find that His grace is big enough for even you.