Resurrection Sunday John 20:1-10

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.

This is the version of the story from John’s record

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twenty-Two: The Dawning of a New Day (John 20:1–18)

The Resurrection is an essential part of the Gospel message (1 Cor. 15:1–8) and a key doctrine in the Christian faith. It proves that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 2:32–36; Rom. 1:4) and that His atoning work on the cross has been completed and is effective (Rom. 4:24–25). The empty cross and the empty tomb are God’s “receipts” telling us that the debt has been paid. Jesus Christ is not only the Saviour, but He is also the Sanctifier (Rom. 6:4–10) and the Intercessor (Rom. 8:34). One day He shall return as Judge (Acts 17:30–31).

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twenty-Two: The Dawning of a New Day (John 20:1–18)

It is significant that the first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ were believing women. Among the Jews in that day, the testimony of women was not held in high regard. “It is better that the words of the Law be burned,” said the rabbis, “than be delivered to a woman.” But these Christian women had a greater message than that of the Law, for they knew that their Saviour was alive.

Mark 16:1–8 ESV

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

We have other people with Mary Magdalene

Matthew 28:1–8 ESV

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Arrival at the Tomb

Early the first day of the week in the dark after the sabbath

You could sense their Sabbath must have been filled with thoughts about Jesus hence the earliest moment they could leave for the tomb, they took the opportunity to go to the tomb in order to complete the work they could not complete after his crucifixion even though it was still dark

Mary Magdalene has been with Christ since she was delivered from demons removed from her Luke 8:2

Was with Christ throughout his ministry (in gratitude)

Was one of the first few to see the resurrected Christ 

What she saw

Mary Magdalene arrived/came to the tomb in our text and from other texts, we find that she did not go alone rather she went with others.

The fact that she found the tomb open in this case or they found the tomb open in the other reports gives us the evidence of eye witnesses to the resurrection.

They all found that the large stone had been removed from the front of the grave in which the body of Jesus was laid

She ran (rush) to the disciples to report what she had just seen

What She said

They have taken the Lord out of the tomb

Whom might she have in mind

Pilate? Jewish leaders? Soldiers? grave robbers?

We do not know where they have laid him

She was not expecting that he would be alive, none of them were

Next Trip to the Tomb

This time, it was two of his disciples

Peter and the other disciple

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb

What they see (20:4–9)

1. John (20:4–5, 8–9)

a. At first he looks inside and sees the burial cloth that covered Jesus’ body, but he does not go in (20:4–5).

b. Finally, he goes in and believes (20:8–9).

The other disciple

Traditionally considered to be John the beloved

Grave robbers would have taken the clothes as well

D. Where they go (20:10): After they see that Jesus is no longer in the tomb, they both go home.2. Peter (20:6–7): He goes in and sees both the body cloth and head cloth of Jesus.

Simon Peter is one of Christ’s disciples & Apostles

Fisherman Matt 4:18

Brother of Andrew

Walked on water

Christ will build his church on his confession

He was declared to be speaking for Satan

Experienced the transfiguration 

Claimed he would never forsake Christ

Denied Christ thrice

Was prominent among the disciples

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 20:3–9

But John perceived that the missing body and the position of the grave clothes was not due to a robbery. He realized that Jesus had risen from the dead and had gone through the grave clothes. The tomb was open not to let Jesus’ body out but to let the disciples and the world see that He rose

What do we learn from the resurrection

1. It validates Christ’s claim to the be the Son of God (Acts 2:22–36);

Acts 2:22-36 ““Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God h…”

2. it also validates his teaching as being from God (Matt 12:38–40)

Matt 12:38 “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.””

3. The resurrection event also stands as evidence of the Lord’s victory over death and the grave (1 Cor 15:54–55; Rev 1:17–18)

1 Corinthians 15:54–55 ESV

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

4. It secures our salvation (Rom 4:25; 10:9–10; Heb 7:23–25; 1 Pet 1:3)

Romans 4:25 ESV

who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

5. Serves as the precursor for the resurrection of believers (1 Cor 15:20), who have been “buried with him in baptism” (Col 2:12), will be raised with him (2 Cor 4:14), and “will appear with him in glory” (Col 3:1–4), having been made “like him” (1 John 3:2).

1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Colossians 2:12 ESV

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

2 Corinthians 4:14 ESV

knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

Colossians 3:1–4 ESV

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Amazing Grace—366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions 24. Christ Arose

Robert Lowry is a highly respected name among early gospel hymn writers. He served for a time as a professor of literature at Bucknell University, pastored several important Baptist churches in the East, and then became the music editor of the Biglow Publishing Company. It has often been said that the quality of Lowry’s numerous publications did much to improve the cause of sacred music in this country.

During the Easter season of 1874, while having his devotions one evening, Robert Lowry was impressed with the events associated with Christ’s resurrection, especially with these words recorded in Luke 24:6, 7:

He is not here, but is risen; remember how He spoke unto you when He was in Galilee, saying, the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Soon Robert Lowry found himself seated at the little pump organ in the parlor of his home, and in a very spontaneous fashion, the words and music of “Christ Arose” gave expression to the thoughts that had been uppermost in his mind. The hymn was published the following year and has been an inspirational favorite with God’s people ever since.

Low in the grave He lay—Jesus, my Savior! Waiting the coming day—Jesus, my Lord!

Vainly they watch His bed—Jesus, my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead—Jesus, my Lord.

Death cannot keep his prey—Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away—Jesus, my Lord!

Chorus: Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign: He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

For Today: Matthew 27:5–66; John 19:41, 42; 1 Corinthians 15:4

Allow the truth of Christ’s resurrection to thrill your life anew. Sing with triumph as you go—