John 20:4-9
4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Game ove. The party is done. Hope has been lost. Jesus is dead. Or so they thought. Until they heard the words that they never expected but once said brought all things together: His body isn’t there! Peter and John ran over to see what had happened. We are told by John that John was definitely faster than Peter (a funny detail to add) and the key line….”they did not understand the Scripture…” they did not quite know what they were witnessing; but, Jesus resurrection changes EVERYTHING. It was not the end of Jesus’ life; rather, it was the beginning of life being extended for everyone who would choose to receive it.
Have you embraced Jesus’ life? Now, there are really two questions in that. The first is a question of salvation. The second, is a question of continual renewal. Jesus did not come just to save you from hell. He came to transform the way you operate. He came to resurrect your hope so that you may bring the good news of life to others.
I am reminded of waking up early on so many Easter mornings to go to our church where our family was part of the Easter service experience. Our church would always do a musical production, reenacting Jesus’ resurrection. One year I was given the opportunity to film a man who’s life had changed as a result of experiencing one of these weekends.
Take 3 minutes to watch it, and be reminded of Jesus’ love for you and be reminded that his unexpected beginning was not unexpected for him. In fact, it is his new beginning that provides an unexpected beginning for you and me. He is Risen. He is risen indeed.