READ: John 20:1–10
MEMORY VERSE
“Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.” John 20:4
BACKGROUND
On a trip to Paris, Ben and his friends found themselves at one of the renowned museums in the city.
Though Ben wasn’t a student of art, he was in awe as he looked upon the painting titled The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection by Eugène Burnand.
Without words, the looks on the faces of Peter and John and the position of their hands speak volumes, inviting onlookers to step into their shoes and share their adrenaline-charged emotions.
Based on John 20:1–10, the painting portrays the two running in the direction of the empty tomb of Jesus (v. 4). The masterpiece captures the intensity of the two emotionally conflicted disciples.
Though at that juncture theirs wasn’t a fully formed faith, they were running in the right direction, and eventually the resurrected Jesus revealed Himself to them (vv. 19–29).
Their search was not unlike that of Jesus seekers through the centuries. Although we may be removed from the experiences of an empty tomb or a brilliant piece of art, we can clearly see the good news.
Scripture compels us to hope and seek and run in the direction of Jesus and His love—even with doubts, questions, and uncertainties.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate Easter, may we remember Jesus’ words: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
By: Arthur Jackson
INSIGHT
When John wrote that the disciples “still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9), what Scripture was he referring to?
Similarly, Luke says, “ ‘Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (24:26–27).
What passages did Jesus expound here? The answer to these questions is found in the preaching of the apostles in the book of Acts. Indeed, they’d experienced the resurrected Christ personally, but they also had Scripture to defend this crucial doctrine.
The apostolic preaching of Peter in Acts 2 includes references to Psalm 16:8–11 (Acts 2:25–28) and Psalm 110:1 (Acts 2:34–35). Paul’s preaching in Acts 13 references Psalm 2:7 (Acts 13:33), Isaiah 55:3 (Acts 13:34), and Psalm 16:10 (Acts 13:35).
By: Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
If you don’t know Jesus, what will you do to begin running toward Him and His love? If you’re a believer, how will you share His love with others?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“I’m chasing after You. No matter what I have to do. Cause I need You more and more…” VaShawn Mitchell
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Scripture compels us to hope and seek and run in the direction of Jesus and His love—even with doubts, questions, and uncertainties.”
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, lead me into Your loving arms today.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“FOREVER REIGN” Hillsong Worship
You are GOOD, You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love, You are love
On display for all to see
You are LIGHT, You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin
You are PEACE, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are JOY, You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are LIFE, You are life
In You, death has lost its sting
Come on
Oh, I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here
In Your presence, I’m made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I’m letting go
Oh, I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
My heart will sing
No other name
Jesus
Jesus
My heart will sing
No other name
Jesus, Jesus
My heart will sing
No other name…
Oh, I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough…
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
I Samuel 10-12
Luke 9:37-62
