When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. (Luke 24:9–12)
Let’s summarize these verses: Some women went to the tomb and reported what they had seen (or, more accurately, what they had not seen). Those present were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and some other unnamed women. They relayed this information to the apostles, but the apostles did not believe them. Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying by themselves and wondered what had happened.
If the story ended there, we would have no further clue as to whether Jesus had truly risen from the grave. Fortunately, the eyewitness accounts grow rather than diminish. Jesus appears to two men on the road to Emmaus, who immediately return to Jerusalem to report to the eleven. And as they are retelling the story, Jesus himself appears. Mic drop!
But before we get too far, we need to reflect on verses 9–12. Why did Jesus appear first to the women? Why were the women not believed? Why were the women bold enough to go and care for Jesus while the apostles were hiding? Why did Peter get up and run to the tomb? What did he think when he saw an empty tomb and the strips of linen lying by themselves?
I believe Jesus appearing first to the women affirmed them as equals in the kingdom of God. They were second-class citizens, not feared by the Romans, and therefore allowed full access to the tomb to care for their loved one. The women who followed Jesus were not afraid of the authorities. They could go where the apostles could not.
Peter may have been among those who initially doubted, but his sprint to the tomb suggests otherwise. He knew the women who reported that Christ was not in the tomb. He had to see for himself. He was a man of action. Other accounts describe the “other disciple” (often identified as John) running with him and actually reaching the tomb first.
As for what Peter thought upon seeing the missing Jesus—there’s no telling. Did he feel fear mixed with hope? Was he reluctant to celebrate until he knew what had really happened? Was he confused? Did he wonder if someone had stolen the body? Thankfully, he did not have to wait long. Within hours the disciples returned from Emmaus, told the story of Jesus’ appearance, and then Jesus himself appeared. Can you imagine their reaction?
The unfolding drama of the empty tomb was scripted by God, who is methodical in revealing himself to the world. He showed himself first to women—not regarded as the most important people of the day—and in doing so honored them. Then he appeared to two more disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally to the whole group gathered in the upper room.
The saying “seeing is believing” is truly illustrated in these accounts. They had to see in order to believe. Yet as Jesus would later say, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That includes all of us who have encountered Christ but have never sat next to him at a meal, touched his hands and side, or stood before the empty tomb. We have been convinced by an encounter with the Holy Spirit that Christ is real. And for this I am grateful.
I am headed to the 15th year of the Revive Men’s Retreat, where I pray for wonderful encounters with the Lord. I pray, God, that you take center stage. Yes, use me and others to encourage the men, but surprise us with your presence. Meet with us face to face. Take away the doubt, stress, or anxiety of a week spent “hoping” to meet with you, and replace it with miraculous awakenings of your power and love.
“O Lord, I praise you for your goodness. Come now, Holy Spirit, prepare every step. Help me to humble myself, to hear from you, and also to speak to others. Raise up new leaders. Allow us to walk in your love and grace. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.