There were two initial witnesses of our Lord's resurrection when he revealed himself to Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany, in that of a wonderful privilege they must have felt, and no doubt was granted for their attentiveness and attention to Christs burial. What faith these two women showed, for as we know in comparison, the disciples had all fled him at his arrest.

Upon this wonderful meeting at the tomb, the two Mary's rushed back to tell the others about seeing Jesus and witnessing his being resurrected, and when they came onto Peter and John, instead of outright telling them they saw the Lord, the played to their faith, to draw out their own interest and faith with the words;

Jhn 20:2 "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

The two Mary's knew at this point that Jesus had been resurrected, for he revealed himself to them, and directed them to go to his disciples, yet their statement could be construed in a manner to show a lack of faith, but instead we see shown here their love and faith in order to draw out the others hearts, in order for the disciples to confirm their own faith by confirming themselves that he had been resurrected, rather then taking their word for it.

A significant point that was included in the text mentions that this event had an emotional impact on the two women as well, as we read;

Mth 28:8-10 "So, quickly leaving the memorial tomb, with fear and great joy, they ran to report to his disciples. And look! Jesus met them and said: “Good day!” They approached and took hold of his feet and did obeisance to him. Then Jesus said to them: “Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers so that they may go to Galʹi·lee, and there they will see me.”

Even though these two women were in great joy seeing our Lord, they were also in great fear, and this fear was obviously do to the events themselves having been a surprise, but should it have really been?

Now upon hearing this report, Peter and John begin running to the tomb, and the account says that John reached the tomb first. Why was this detail recorded for us, was it John wanting to always be known for beating Peter in the first ever resurrection marathon? Surely John was younger and could have been better fit then Peter, but it seems likely this detail would not account for the reason this information was included in the text.

We can keep in mind that the last time Peter saw our Lord, he had denied him three times. Deeply regretful, and disappointed in himself he probably wasn't looking forward personally in confronting Jesus with this matter. If we remember back when a child, and our Mother told us "Just wait till your Dad get's home, and sees what you have done.", we would not have looked forward to that meeting, for we know he would be disappointed, and we wouldn't be to excited about facing him on the matter.

What about John? Well he was just simply eager to see for himself what had occurred at the tomb, to see for himself, and to determine if these things were so, so he runs as fast as he can in the direction of the tomb. In fact the text says he reached the tomb first, and gleaming in he saw the linen cloths, but did not enter.

Jhn 20:5 "Stooping forward, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in."

Peter on the other hand, seeing the younger John had paused at the entrance immediately entered, showing once again his willingness to take that one extra step beyond what perhaps could seem appropriate or comfortable.

Jhn 20:6 "Then Simon Peter also came, following him, and he went into the tomb."

Here within these four individuals we are given detailed accounts of their inward mind set and faith at this momentous event in history, in the most important moment in our understanding of salvation, and our faith.

We see first the two Mary's, although being very Joyful upon learning our Lord had been resurrected, they also had fear of these events, perhaps simply because of the magnitude of what they saw, or for not having expected the events, but it seems likely they even had concern for what was now going to transpire next, for they would have had to know that what they had seen could be very detrimental to their continued physical survival in the world. Could this also account for their remarks to the disciples, in not fully disclosing they had seen the Lord, as he commanded them to do so?

Second in that of Peter, when we are told that he certainly ran to the tomb when the two women sparked their interest, but no doubt with trepidation and guilt over the last moments he saw our Lord, yet upon reaching the tomb, he did not pause, but rushed right in when seeing John had stopped just outside the door.

John, one who eagerly ran to the tomb, in order to determine for himself whether the report were true or not, paused just outside the door. Could this be an example of having much eagerness and anticipation in our faith, but hesitating at the last moment?

We can take solace in these three accounts if we use them as a measuring tool to constantly examine our own faith. What kind of person will we be when we see our Lord in the clouds? Will we be fearful, hesitant, guilt ridden, or will we be filled with joy, knowing our faith in our Lords resurrection had been confirmed through the pages of the word, and our constant examination of our expectations for his return?

Let's take this time we have now, and confirm our faith in our Lords resurrection, so we can stand joyfully in expectation of our Lord greeting us with open arms!

1Cor 15:3,4 "For among the first things I handed on to you was what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he was raised up on the third day."

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