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. (John 20:2)
Have you ever felt that way? That the best in life has gone forever? How can you ever be happy again? After the death and burial of Jesus, Peter and the other disciples had basically gone into hiding in Jerusalem. What were they to do without Jesus? Early on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene, also one of Jesus’ followers, came to Peter and John in distress. She told them that Jesus’ grave was empty. Peter and John, the ‘other disciples whom Jesus loved, went to the grave.
Jesus had assured them that he would rise from the dead (Matthew 17:22-23). Apparently, His disciples had forgotten this promise. It seemed unimaginable. Jesus had raised people from the dead (John 11:43-44; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 6:11-15). But could He bring Himself back to life?
Peter saw the clothes in which Jesus had been wrapped. The place where His body should have been was empty. Did reality begin to dawn on Peter? After the pain of his denial of Jesus, the confusion and grief at Jesus’ death, now a seed of hope began to grow. Jesus’ grave was empty….
The happiness at Jesus’ resurrection from the dead would never disappear during Peter’s life and he would passionately tell others about it. What does the Resurrection mean to you?
Image by Lumo Project Films – www.lumoproject.com.