Who saw the empty tomb, and how did it affect their faith?

Easter Day

Gospel John 20:1–10 Christ is Risen

After the Sabbath, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and told Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. When they found them, she said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter and the other disciple ran immediately to the tomb.

The men went one way, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He looked in and saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Simon Peter followed him and went into the tomb and looked at the linen cloths. He saw that the cloth that had covered Jesus’ face was not lying with the linen cloths but was wrapped in a separate cloth. Now the other disciple, who had come first to the tomb, also entered, and he saw and believed. For they had not yet understood that Jesus must rise from the dead, according to the scriptures.

The disciples left the tomb and went to their lodgings. (John 20:1–10, second edition)

The Discovery of the Empty Tomb

John, the evangelist, reveals to us one morning the events of the empty tomb, which are turning points at the heart of Christianity. In this article, we will examine the reactions of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John to the empty tomb and how these reactions shaped their faith.

At dawn, Mary Magdalene heads to the tomb where Jesus was buried. Her heart is heavy, filled with sorrow and despair. She had just lost someone she loved, and now the sight of the empty tomb takes away the last sparks of hope from her. When she arrives and sees the emptiness, this is a shock. Mary is not just looking for comfort, she wants to make sure that Jesus is really gone. She rushes back to tell Peter and John that Jesus is no longer there.

Mary is one of those who experience the deepest sorrow. Many people feel that when faced with loss, they need support from those around them—and this is how Mary feels.

Peter and John arrive at the tomb

Mary is not the only one who rushed to the tomb. Peter and John almost race towards the tomb. John, the youngest of the disciples, is the fastest and arrives first. He peeks into the tomb but hesitates to enter. This moment reflects his mind: he wants to respect this sacred space.

Peter, a courageous character, enters directly. His thoughts are not just curiosity; he feels the need to understand the situation, which is critical to faith. He finds the burial cloths still in place, which tells us that Jesus is not only missing, but has risen.

Three Different Reactions

The first three witnesses each react to the empty tomb in their own way.

Peter represents those who struggle with faith. He examines the situation, ponders its meaning, but doubts. His inner struggle is understandable, because in Luke he is described as wondering, so it is difficult for him to absorb the above events.

Mary, on the other hand, is filled with sorrow and confusion. She has difficulty understanding what is happening. She cries by the tomb, waiting for an answer, not only to her loss, but also to her faith.

John sees the situation more calmly. He does not just look at the empty tomb, but also to the opportunity it offers. He believes without doubt and realizes that Jesus has truly risen from the dead.

What is your relationship with faith? Which group do you belong to?

Have you been in a situation where you have felt great doubts, just like Peter? His reaction to the empty tomb resonates with many. Many people experience uncertainty about their faith in the face of life’s challenges.

Can you relate to Mary? Is grief blinding you? Her territory is a fitting example of how most of us experience loneliness in difficult times—but hope can seem distant.

Or perhaps you are like John. You have discovered or experienced something that has deepened your faith. For example, statistics show that many who have experienced personal growth have found purpose in their faith.

Peter’s Inner Struggle

Peter is analytical by nature. He does not accept the resurrection lightly; his skepticism is an important part of his journey of faith. He wants to understand and unravel things before accepting them. It is important to remember that doubt and mystery are natural parts of the journey of faith. Peter’s desire to dig deeper leads him to a good outcome. Doubt can help deepen faith.

Mary’s Heartache

Mary is heartbroken. She cannot yet comprehend what the empty tomb is all about. Her questions, “Why?” and “Is there hope?” are universal. Think about how often we can feel alone and abandoned in the midst of difficult times. Mary’s story invites us to examine our own spiritual journey and consider how we can find hope in the midst of sorrow.

The Depth of John’s Faith

John represents a religious awakening—a moment when new possibilities open up for us. His ability to see and believe in the resurrection is special. This faith, even if it is not certain, is open.

John’s way of seeing the empty shrouds teaches us that faith is not just a fate, but a journey. He understands that every step of our faith brings us closer to the truth. John was the primus pupil among the disciples.

How can we respond?

Let us consider what faith means to us personally. How can we strengthen our faith daily? Peter’s experiences can help us find a deeper connection to our faith, but there is also value in supporting others, as Mary did.

This faith is based on the ability to listen, understand, and support one another. Like John, reflecting on the deep things in our faith, such as the empty tomb, can help us navigate life’s challenges and find answers.

In conclusion

The events of the empty tomb offer profound insights into our faith. Mary, Peter, and John show us how each person responds differently. Faith is not just a personal path; it is a community journey. As we face life’s challenges, we draw strength from each other’s stories. Mary was not alone at the empty tomb; she was surrounded by others who were searching, asking, and believing. By following the empty tomb, both physically and spiritually, we can find hope and faith—just as Mary, Peter, and John did.

The empty tomb has a place in every heart. What is your story?