Today’s Reading: John 20:6-10
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“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.”
* * * * *
When Mary Magdalene told Peter and John that the stone had been rolled away, they ran to the tomb. John arrived first and glanced inside. Peter then arrived. In deference to age and prominence, John let Peter enter first.
A couple things caught their attention in the tomb. They noticed the linen cloths without a body inside. Perhaps it seemed like Jesus’ body had been supernaturally removed, thus causing the linen cloths to collapse in an ordered heap.
They also noticed the facial napkin, used to keep a deceased person’s jaw shut. It was neatly folded in a place by itself. When Jesus left the tomb, he practiced good manners! He was concerned about the smallest, most appropriate details of life—including yours.
These observations led them to conclude and believe that the Lord was alive.
The heavenly Father was also careful to make sure that every detail of the Jewish law was covered with regard to testimonies given about evidence. There needed to be two male witnesses to corroborate a story.20 Peter and John’s witness about Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled this aspect of God’s law.
It’s also quite remarkable that the first person to whom Jesus entrusted his resurrection message was a woman. Yes, Peter and John’s witness confirmed her story so the requirements of the Jewish law would be met. But Jesus gave the first responsibility to tell this good news to a woman. The Lord was setting the stage for a church that would see male and female as equal participants in his kingdom.
Notice that until this moment, Peter and John did not believe Jesus had risen. This proves they didn’t make up a fanciful story to give support to his predictions of a resurrection. It was only after they had been presented with the facts that they believed.
Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? The resurrection proves his divinity. As someone jokingly said, “You can’t keep a good God down.” If Jesus is God in human flesh, he cannot remain dead, lying in a tomb. He must come back to life.
Examine the evidence. Look at all the prophecies and stories in the Old Testament that point to him. When Jesus showed this evidence to two of his disciples on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, it helped them believe.21 They observed the prophecy that he would crush the head of the serpent.22 They saw the specifics of how he had suffered on the cross.23 They concluded he was the suffering servant who was to come and save Israel.24 After examining these texts and many others, they believed that he indeed had been raised from the dead.
Believe in him as well.
When you do, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will live in you. He will be your strength and shield, your light and salvation. He will be your strong tower. You will be able to run to him and be safe.25
And he will care for every detail of your life.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]