John 20:1–10 (ESV)

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. 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. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. 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. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Sometimes stories seem to good to be true. Like this one for sure. Peter and John in a race to the empty tomb, and John wins. He wants us to know badly that he won as he mentions it multiple times. Goes out of his way to make sure. But in the same breath, he tells us something that should make us sit up and take notice. Something that nearly proves the story true. Despite the fact that he got there first, he was too afraid to go in. He saw the tomb, empty except for the linens, but still couldn’t bring himself to enter. Why? Because he was afraid. If you were going to make it up, you would say something like; 

“I ran to the tomb, and the whole way I just KNEW Jesus had risen like Mary said. And so when I got there, first by the way, I ran right in to confirm what I already believed.”

Except, maybe John didn’t believe, maybe Peter didn’t either. And that’s why they both acted exactly as John and Peter do in the rest of the stories we have about their lives. One is emotional and calculated – the other brash and unafraid. Maybe that’s why John tells us about their friend Thomas as well; 

John 20:24–28 (ESV)

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Whether you’re a John, a Peter or a Thomas, what this story is telling you is that it’s ok. It’s ok to be afraid. It’s ok to get out ahead of your skis sometimes. It’s even ok to doubt. But when you’re confronted with the King of kings and the Lord of lords showing you who He is, in a real and personal way – you should be ready to let Him redefine who YOU are. 

I honestly never know how to end this week of devotionals. I’m not sure what else to say, other than to say these words. 

He is RISEN. 

That is the greatest story ever told.