Scripture
(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
Reflection
In verse eight we read how the ‘other disciple’ who is actually John himself, and the author of the letter of John, went in and ‘believed’. Yet, in verse nine we read ‘they’ did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. The word ‘they’ refers to Jesus’s other disciples. Thus it seems only John himself realized and understood that Jesus rose from the grave at that moment. But verse nine is very important from an eyewitness testimony perspective. It proves from a philological and historical perspective that Jesus’ disciples saw the grave was empty and the manner how the linen and cloth were laid, showed it was not a tomb robbery (as some people have claimed), otherwise, it would not have been left in such away. Therefore the disciples without realizing yet, that Jesus was raised, witnessed firstly that He was gone, and only later on, understood why he was gone. If these accounts happened in the reverse order, one could’ve argued because the disciples knew Jesus was to be raised, they would claim, that’s why he’s body is gone. But instead, they noticed his body was gone but didn’t know what to make of it. And only, later on, understood he raised from the dead. Thus, the order of how the events unfolded and how it was witnessed, supports the fact that Jesus raised from the dead. What a great joy it is to know Jesus truly raised from the dead.
Thoughts for the day
- How well can you explain why Jesus had to be raised?
Prayer
God, You still see the painful realities of this world. God, You see. Please let the displaced people of the world know that they are seen. And help us to see them