DR 14
December 14
John 20:1-10. Peter and John visit the tomb.
Mary Magdalene did not come alone to the sepulchre. We find from the Gospel of Mark that she was accompanied by two other women, Mary and Salome. But when she perceived that the stone was rolled away from the sepulchre, she acted in a different manner from her companions. Instead of approaching to examine the tomb, she immediately concluded that the precious body had been stolen, and ran back to Jerusalem for assistance. Christians, though they resemble each other in attachment to the same Lord, have different ways of showing that attachment. Some, like Mary Magdalene, are ready to give up all for lost in the first moment of alarm; while others, like Salome and the other Mary, continue to hope even against hope.
To whom did this sorrowful woman apply for aid? To those beloved apostles, Peter and John. We often find those two apostles near each other. It seems that a close friendship subsisted between them. Peter's shameful denial had not broken the bond. John had not said to Peter, "I can no more own you as a brother." He himself was not without sin—he had forsaken his Lord, though he had not denied him.
Mary Magdalene gave a very alarming account of what she had seen in Joseph's garden—she even asserted, "They have taken away the Lord." Peter and John set off with the utmost speed towards the tomb. John was the swifter. It is generally supposed that he was the younger. But Peter was the bolder; for when he arrived at the tomb he entered, whereas John at first only looked in, though he also entered afterwards.
And what did they see in the tomb? The linen clothes. This sight convinced John that his Lord's body had not been stolen; but that his Lord himself was risen. If enemies had taken away the body, would they have left the clothes? And if they had been suddenly surprised, and dropped the clothes in their haste to escape, would those clothes have been neatly arranged?—and the napkin which had been round the sacred head, would it have been folded in a place by itself? No, it was evident that he who had reposed in the tomb, no longer wore the attire of death. We are not told in this place what effect the sight of the clothes had upon Peter; but from another passage it appears that the sight convinced him also. (See Luke 24:12.)
Both these apostles returned to their own home, without having seen either the Lord or his angels; without even having seen the women who had seen the Lord; and therefore without having heard their message. Why did they not still linger round the tomb, or search in every place for him they had lost?
It seems that the apostles, after their Lord's crucifixion, were afraid of falling into the hands of their enemies, and that on this account they kept as much as possible within their own doors.
There was one who now dwelt with John who was deeply affected by all that concerned the blessed Redeemer—it was his mother. We know that she watched her Son when dying on the cross, but we do not hear of her visiting the tomb. What sweet communion must have been held that day in the home of the beloved apostle! How the Lord's mother and his friend must have rejoiced together over his resurrection! They are happy who, living beneath one roof, delight to talk together of their blessed Savior! How can they who love him, forbear to speak of him, to retrace his kindness in times past, and to anticipate his glorious return!