John 20:1-18

20:2-4 | In the four Gospels, half of the references to people running occur in the Resurrection stories. Their urgency was due to excitement. Jesus’ disciples today should retell the story with the same excitment.

20:5-8 | Two different ways of seeing are depicted. Both John and Simon Peter viewed the facts - the tomb was empty, with the burial clothes lying there. But the text implies that John saw at a deeper level; he believed. Today, the tomb still stands empty, and people still can “see” the evidence. But not everyone believes that Jesus has, in fact, overcome death and provided the only way to eternal life.

20:17-18 | Jesus told Mary, Do not cling to me, because He had not yet ascended to the Father. Exactly what He meant is uncertain, but He did have an assignment for Mary: Go to my brethren and tell them the news. Jesus commanded His followers not only to pray but to go out and serve and witness. Christians are the conduits of His love to others.