John 20:1-9 Gospel of Easter Morning
With hearts like empty tombs, three disillusioned disciples struggle to understand the events of Good Friday. It will take a series of post-resurrection appearances of the glorified Christ for this trio to grasp the reality: He is Risen!
Did the evangelist John deliberately bring these particular three disciples together on this Easter morning?
Summoned by Mary to the tomb is Simon Peter. He would waiver in faith as he followed Christ, but his post-resurrection declaration of love would resonate in the hearts of all believers. His commission to “feed my sheep” would become cornerstone of the church’s mission.
The first disciple actually to look into the tomb and see what it held (or didn't hold!) is referred to simply as the “beloved disciple.” There is an enigmatic quality about this person whom the evangelist never names but who is traditionally considered to be John the Apostle. Perhaps this is John’s way of telling us that his loving, personal relationship with Jesus enabled him to go into the tomb and “upon seeing, believe.”
On this Easter morning, three disciples are drawn to the empty tomb. Love has embraced forgiveness and faith in search of Jesus. Their own emptiness will go away as they encounter the Risen Lord and begin to understand the everlasting life that emerged from the darkness of the empty tomb. This Easter day the promise and hope of eternity has been realized for all believers. Alleluia!
