Daily Bible Reading Sunday 12th April 2020
by William Moody
John 20:1–10
The Resurrection
20:1 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. 2 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.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’1 head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
Footnotes
[1] 20:7
Greek his (ESV)
Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb and once she sees it is empty, she goes and tells Peter and John who then go to the tomb (v1-2). We too need to take time and consider the tomb seriously either for the first time or for others for another time. Don’t rush past this tomb today, dwell at it for a time.
The most important truth ever revealed to the world is about to be made known. This is the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, which proves all His claims to be the eternal Son of God and the Saviour of the world. The unexpected thing is that this truth is first made known to Mary Magdalene who was a woman and one with a dubious pass (Luke 8 v2). Women were not allowed to testify in a court of law so their testimony was not valued. By first revealing the resurrection to Mary, God was exalting women and he was also displaying His grace to those with a sinful past.
There were other women with Mary but she is the only one mentioned and focused on, showing this resurrection was a personal thing. The death and resurrection is not just about saving a multitude, but about saving individuals.
As you ponder the resurrection of Jesus today, has this become very personal for you? Have you come to the faith that Jesus died and rose for you? Do you live in the reality that Jesus has risen to be in living relationship with you?
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.