Walk-Along

Week 16, Day 1
The Mystery is Fitting
John 20:1-10

There is much to love about the Resurrection of Jesus. But one thing I love is how the writers of the gospel give no detail at all of Jesus actually leaving the tomb. We have no idea how the stone was removed, the expression on His face as His eyes first opened. We have no idea how the gravel sounded underneath the stone as it was removed. Was it rolled? Picked up and placed? Imagine the cave, dark and dank from the lack of air for 3 days, slowly or suddenly filling with light from the early morning sun. Or did it happen in the dark, under the moon? Was Jesus naked? Did He leave his grave clothes in the tomb, reminding Him of Lazarus (John 11.43-44)? How did it feel to walk freshly out of the tomb into the open air - air hitting His risen and glorified body? Did He see stars or the early rays of the sun?

There is something fitting about the lack of information about this. Jesus, always the center of the gospel narrative (and the point of all of scripture), stays hidden in a mystery. We only read about how others in His circle respond to the empty tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter and the other disciple, Mary mother of Salome. There are angels who narrate for them, bringing them up to speed, to get them from the empty tomb to their first encounter with Him. This first encounter is really our encounter, as we walk through the greatest story ever told with them.

The mystery is fitting - the weird, unknown segment of Jesus’ life is the foundation of faith. It is also far less important for us to know the mechanics of the “how” and far more important to encounter the “Who” of the event itself.

I’m glad we don’t know. I am grateful that the Lord inspired the writers not to tell the exact way Jesus got out of the tomb that day. It lets us use our imagination.

I am a firm believer that what is in the bible is there for a reason; therefore, what is not there has a reason also. The Lord wants us to believe through faith, not sight. To believe in the true mystery of this.

And let us now run into the open air, lungs full of the breath God gives us, into our mission field, telling all we see, “He is risen. He is risen indeed!!”

Write a prayer of thanksgiving or journal your thoughts about the Resurrection.

Week 16, Day 2
Read John 20:1-10 again.
Put yourself in the emotional shoes of Mary Magdalene, Peter or John. Imagine what they were feeling on that day. Mary’s utter confusion amid her incredible grief. Peter and John running to the tomb and seeing what they saw. Or better yet, what they didn’t see. Put yourself there. Journal about what you are experiencing in your heart and soul.

Week 16, Day 3
Read John 20:11-18 - Jesus and Mary
Mary’s eyes are opened to the identity of the gardener when Jesus says her name. Can you think of the time when Jesus called you to Himself? Put yourself in the garden with Mary and Jesus. Imagine how that conversation with Him would go. What are you feeling, and experiencing as the scene unfolds before you.

Week 16, Day 4
Read John 20:19-29
When the risen Jesus appears to the disciples, He says, “Peace be with you.” In what areas of your life do you need to receive Jesus’ peace?

What do you make of Jesus saying, “as my Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”? Think through what that means in your life.

What doubts (like Thomas) are you still carrying with you? How does Jesus' promise of His peace ease those doubts?

Week 16, Day 5 - Reflect and Look Forward
What are one or two takeaways from the week?

How has the Lord spoken to you in this text?

What can you carry with you in your life as you move forward in your walk with Jesus?