Nehemiah 1:5-11 ESV

5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.

THE PRAYER OF NEHEMIAH

Effective leadership starts, continues and ends in prayer. Before anything else, Nehemiah spends time with the Lord. Before he can do something for God, God has to do something in his life. A man to effectively influence other people, he must allow God first to have a significant influence in his life. His prayer reveals the deep things of his heart.

First, his humility and deep reverence to God. Humbly, he begins by simply understanding there is a God enthroned in the heavens, and I am not Him! Nehemiah recognizes exactly who God is, saying, ‘LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keep Your covenant … and mercy … with those You love’. He desperately asked God to hear the prayer of Your servant, that is, let Your ear be attentive … Your eyes open. This reflected his complete dependence on the LORD. Doesn’t our wretchedness expose our dire need for God?

He also plainly and simply confessed sin, without any attempt at excusing the sin. Obviously, Nehemiah was a godly and tender man who identified with his people. He openly and passionately put himself guilty with his father's house, and prayed by using "we" instead of "they."

Then, he looked with hope unto the promises of God. He pleaded God to remember His promises. Unlike earthly fathers who may be annoyed , our Father in heaven delights in it - and often demands it before prayer becomes effective. Did not God promise, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”? [Psa 81:10]

Lastly, he prayed with faith that God would honor a plan in mind. Prayer should be with understanding, not the absence of it. Nehemiah concluded by asking God to bless him when he would soon speak to the king of Persia about the matter. He was willing to be used by the Lord at the forefront, not a distant critic. Not a vague prayer, "Do something Lord” but a specific prayer, “Use me Lord by granting me favor before the king.” A prayer pleading to move the heart of the king is no ordinary faith, is it? [Prov 21:1]

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Nehemiah 1:1-4 ESV

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. 

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

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Ang mga salita ni Nehemias na anak ni Hacalias.

Sa buwan ng Chislev, nang ikadalawampung taon, samantalang ako'y nasa Susa na siyang kabisera, 2 si Hanani, isa sa aking mga kapatid, ay dumating na kasama ang ilang lalaki mula sa Juda. Tinanong ko sila tungkol sa mga Judio na natirang buháy, na nakatakas sa pagkabihag, at tungkol sa Jerusalem. 3 Sinabi nila sa akin, “Ang mga natirang buháy sa lalawigan na nakatakas sa pagkabihag ay nasa isang malubhang kalagayan at kahihiyan. Ang pader ng Jerusalem ay wasak at ang mga pintuan nito ay natupok ng apoy.” 4 Nang marinig ko ang mga salitang ito, ako'y umupo, umiyak, at tumangis nang ilang araw; at ako'y nagpatuloy sa pag-aayuno at pananalangin sa harapan ng Diyos ng langit.

BROKEN WALLS

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king at Susa, situated hundreds of miles away from Jerusalem. Notedly, his comfort at the palace did not remove his care and concern for his people and homeland. This was the reason why he asked his brother Hanani and his companions about their plight.

They related to him the sad state of the people and the city of Jerusalem. They said, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Almost 100 years after the first captives settled back to the Promised Land and some 150 years after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. After this long time, the walls of the city of Jerusalem were still in rubble.

In Ezra 4:6-23, we see that some 75 years before they tried to rebuild the walls, but were stopped by their enemies. No one thought this obstacle could be overcome, so the walls lay in ruin and the people stayed in trouble. Definitely, this was still part of the sad consequences of Israel’s sins. Let’s not forget that our sins usually lead to our misery and brokenness. This is the result of the fall at the garden. We struggle because we live in a broken world. What can we expect towards sin-filled people but their propensity to do evil and abuse others for their self-interests.

How should we respond upon seeing such tremendous needs of people?

Our emotional reactions of anger and hate seem to appear spontaneous and natural. However, we could choose to respond like Nehemiah. Yes, he was grieved. But, he did not succumbed to hopelessness and despair. He fasted and prayed. In other words, he went into the presence of God – pleaded for His mercies towards himself, his people and city.

Against the backdrop of the overwhelming need of man is the unfathomable grace and power of God, as darkness couldn’t stand against light. Are you subdued by the thought of the brokenness of the people around you? Let’s resolve like Nehemiah to bring everything in prayer. As the psalmist expressed, “

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”[Psa 42:5;11]

John 21:24,25 ESV

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

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24 Ito ang alagad na nagpapatotoo sa mga bagay na ito at ang sumulat ng mga ito; at nalalaman namin na ang kanyang patotoo ay tunay.

25 Subalit marami pa ring ibang mga bagay na ginawa si Jesus, na kung susulating isa-isa, sa palagay ko, kahit sa sanlibutan mismo ay hindi magkakasiya ang mga aklat na isusulat.

MY WITNESS IS TRUE

Evidently, John is modest in his writing, is he not? Having been an eyewitness to Christ’s life, he didn’t reveal himself directly as the author. Most likely, "the disciple" mentioned here is John, confirming he is the unnamed person mentioned in other passages such as John 1:37; 13:23; 18:15–16; 19:26; 21:23.

At the beginning of the book, John wrote, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”[John 1:14-16]

And with confidence about the veracity of Christ, John declares in his epistle, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”[1 John 1:1-3]

As John concludes the book, he argued that his witness is true. He did not know everything about Jesus. He wrote according to the revelation of God through the Spirit. According to v.25, Jesus’ life and His works are incalculable to be written in books. God has no obligation to reveal everything but only those necessary. As Deut 29:29, says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

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John 21:19b-23 ESV

19bAnd after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

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At pagkatapos nito ay sinabi niya sa kanya, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” 20 Pagtalikod ni Pedro, nakita niya ang alagad na minamahal ni Jesus na sumusunod. Siya rin iyong nakahilig na malapit kay Jesus sa hapunan at nagsabi, “Panginoon, sino ang magkakanulo sa iyo?” 21 Nang makita siya ni Pedro ay sinabi niya kay Jesus, “Panginoon, at paano naman ang taong ito?” 22 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Kung ibig kong siya'y manatili hanggang sa ako'y dumating ay ano nga sa iyo? Sumunod ka sa akin.” 23 Kaya't kumalat ang sabi-sabi sa mga kapatid na ang alagad na iyon ay hindi mamamatay. Subalit hindi sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay, kundi, “Kung ibig kong siya'y manatili hanggang sa ako'y dumating ay ano nga sa iyo?”

FOLLOW ME

Restoration does result to empowerment and trust, does it not? Having been restored, Jesus has entrusted to Peter the shepherding of His sheep, once more. Undoubtedly, Jesus had seen Peter’s future of not commiting the same mistake again.

When Jesus made a prediction about Peter's future (John 21:18–19) Evidently, Peter would have naturally been curious about what would happen to John. Interestingly, Jesus' response (see v.22) was neither a rebuke, nor even a criticism. It's simply a rhetorical question, meaning "what difference would that make in your faith? Just follow Me!"

We are distracted sometimes because we look at others. To look unto Jesus, that is, to follow Him, should be our focus instead of looking around. As the author of Hebrews says, “ looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”[Heb 12:2]

One reaction to this comment is ironic. Jesus was far from making a prediction. However, some early Christians will misinterpret it as a prophecy about John, anyway. In the time between Jesus making the statement and John's writing of this account, rumors will spread that John would not die until Jesus returned. John will feel the need to refute that mistake directly for he did not receive such from Jesus (see. v:23).

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John 21:15-19 ESV

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

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DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?

As they dined together, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love more than these?”The ‘these’ may mean ‘the other disciples’ love for Him.’ That is, Jesus was asking "do you really love Me more than they love Me?" Peter was bragging and has self-assured prior Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:29).

Jesus has repeated the question two more times. Jesus had used two root words, agapaō and phileō, in His questions. However, Peter had used phileō. While these words can have separate meanings, in their own contexts, their use here was essentially identical. The same was true of Jesus' three commands, which mix terms like "feed" and "tend" with references to "sheep" and "lambs."

Only a few days prior, Peter had denied—three times, with great emphasis—that he did not know Jesus (see John 13:35–38; Luke 22:61–62). He understood that Jesus was not asking because He does not know; He was asking to prove a point. Three denials were being countered with three affirmations. Peter's betrayal of his own promises was being challenged.

One thing is certain in this dialog, Jesus didn’t leave Peter in grief. This was a moment of repentance and restoration. His next words predict that Peter's reaffirmed faith (John 21:19) will be permanent—in fact, it will lead to his martyrdom later (John 21:18). First, Jesus makes a prediction which is both dire and comforting. The picture of being dressed and led, with outstretched hands, is a poetic foreshadowing of his crucifixion. Church tradition indicates Peter was crucified and asked to be hung upside down out of respect for Christ's similar death. While this seemed a terrible fate, it implied something Peter would find encouraging. For, his faith would never fail him again. This doesn't mean Peter would be perfect (Gal 2:11–14). It does mean, however, that his passionate desire to serve Jesus would define the rest of his life.

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John 21:7-14 ESV

7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

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7 Kaya't ang alagad na minamahal ni Jesus ay nagsabi kay Pedro, “Ang Panginoon iyon.” Kaya't nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na iyon ang Panginoon, ay nagbigkis siya ng kanyang tunika (sapagkat siya'y walang damit), at tumalon sa dagat. 8 Subalit ang ibang alagad ay lumapit sa bangka na hila ang lambat na punô ng isda, sapagkat sila'y hindi malayo sa lupa, kundi halos siyamnapung metro ang layo.

9 Nang sila'y makadaong sa lupa, nakakita sila roon ng mga nagbabagang uling, at may isdang nakalagay sa ibabaw, at tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Dalhin ninyo rito ang ilang isdang nahuli ninyo ngayon.” 11 Kaya't si Simon Pedro ay sumampa sa bangka, at hinila ang lambat sa lupa na punô ng malalaking isda, na isandaan at limampu't tatlo, at kahit gayon karami ay hindi nasira ang lambat. 12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Halikayo at mag-almusal.” Sinuman sa mga alagad ay hindi nangahas na siya'y tanungin, “Sino ka?” yamang alam nila na iyon ay ang Panginoon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus, dinampot ang tinapay, at ibinigay sa kanila pati ang isda. 14 Ito nga ang ikatlong pagpapakita ni Jesus sa mga alagad, pagkatapos na siya'y bumangon mula sa mga patay.

COME AND HAVE BREAKFAST

After the big catch, John knew it was the Lord Jesus. Immediately, he told Peter, who stripped off his outer garment and jumped out into the water to swim to shore. Peter did not waste time to be with the Lord as he did before.

By the time the men arrive at the beach, they found a small fire, with a few fish already cooked and bread, along with Peter and Jesus. They didn’t ask questions about Jesus' identity anymore. This can be taken in several ways. But, most probably John was emphasizing the lack of doubt, as if saying, "there's no need to ask, since it's clear." Even though Jesus' appearance was not exactly as it had been, there was no valid reason to think He was someone else.

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This should have reminded them about Jesus’claim earlier as the ‘bread of life.’ This simple act of Jesus sharing a meal, especially in the ancient world, demonstrated their friendship and trust.

Jesus’ tenderness or gentleness has been portrayed here, apparently. There was no rebuke from Him. He knew His men were weak and feeble and predicted that they would fail Him. He hasn’t demand perfection upon us. He desires groth and maturity. He understands our frame.

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John 21:1-6 ESV

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

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Pagkatapos ng mga bagay na ito ay nagpakitang muli si Jesus sa mga alagad sa tabi ng dagat ng Tiberias, at siya'y nagpakita sa ganitong paraan.2 Magkakasama noon sina Simon Pedro, si Tomas na tinatawag na Kambal, at si Nathanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, at ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa kanyang mga alagad.3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro, “Mangingisda ako.” Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Kami ay sasama rin sa iyo.” Sila'y umalis at sumakay sa bangka. Nang gabing iyon ay wala silang nahuli.

4 Ngunit nang mag-uumaga na, si Jesus ay tumayo sa tabing-dagat. Subalit hindi nakilala ng mga alagad na iyon ay si Jesus.5 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Mga anak, mayroon ba kayong nahuling isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya, “Wala.”6 At sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ihulog ninyo ang lambat sa kanang bahagi ng bangka at mayroon kayong makikita.” Inihulog nga nila, at hindi na nila ito mahila dahil sa dami ng mga isda.

I GO FISHING

Jesus passed along instructions for the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. John typically uses the term "Galilee" to refer to the region, and the name "Sea of Tiberias" for the water (John 6:1).

As they are waiting for Christ to arrive, Peter decided to go fishing. Why? It is either out of boredom, or to earn money. Scriptures doesn’t say. Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others went with Peter. They caught nothing. It’s not unusual not to catch fish but this lack of success, in a sense, has reaffirmed that their days of catching fish were over (John 21:3). Did not Jesus call them to be fishers of men, instead (Matt 4:19; John 21:4).

Jesus appeared at the shore. But, they did not recognized Him.

Jesus asked, “Children, do you have any fish?” Something like a modern English speaker saying, "you kids didn't catch anything, did you?" Certainly Jesus knew beforehand their predicament. It was a question for them to ponder upon. Jesus took charge. He asked them to cast the net again at the right side of the ship. It seemed pointless. But, they were not able to haul the quantity of fishes caught for it was so heavy.

This was a repeat. Previously, Jesus had directed Peter to cast the net on the other side of the boat (Luke 5:3–5). The result was a catch of fish so large it nearly sank two boats (Luke 5:6–7).

The change from nothing to a huge catch was an object lesson. Definitely, Jesus knew where the fish were. It's proof He can provide for their needs. Unless their efforts are aligned with His purpose, they won't succeed.

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John 20:11-18 ESV

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

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WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU WEEPING?

Mary Magdalene was one of the women who stood nearby and watched Jesus die on a cross (John 19:25). She saw Him hastily buried (Mat 27:60–61) and came before dawn on a Sunday to give His body a more appropriate treatment (see v.1). Finding the tomb empty, she ran to get John and Peter, who inspect the grave and leave without seeming to have much to say (see v.2–10).

This left Mary alone, crying, after which she looks in to see two men—angels—sitting in the tomb (John 20:11–13). She explains her grief, but apparently does not realize she is speaking to messengers of God.

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Why did she not recognize Him? The last time Mary Magdalene saw Jesus was in the form of a mutilated and battered corpse. For the moment, her thoughts are locked to the idea that someone has taken Jesus body. Surely, grief and unbelief could blur our perceptions.

But, as Jesus call her by name, something in His voice, or the fact that He uses her name, w

ill trigger her recognition (see v.16). Mary tried to embrace Him, or that she threw herself at His feet (Mat 28:9). Mary’s emotional reaction at this moment could not be over emphasized. But Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”Jesus meant here does not seem to be that Mary should not contact Him, at all. It more likely means that she is not to stay there, or keep clinging to Him, but that she needs to go and tell the disciples what she has seen. Like Mary, we are caught sometimes in much emotionalism when we need to spread the message of the gospel to others.

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John 20:3-10 ESV

3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 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. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

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3 Kaya't umalis si Pedro kasama ang isa pang alagad at pumunta sila sa libingan. 4 Silang dalawa'y tumakbong magkasama, subalit ang isang alagad ay mas matuling tumakbo kaysa kay Pedro, at naunang dumating sa libingan. 5 At siya'y yumuko upang tingnan ang loob, at nakita niyang nakalatag ang mga telang lino. Subalit hindi siya pumasok sa loob. 6 Dumating naman si Simon Pedro na sumusunod sa kanya, pumasok siya sa libingan at nakita niyang nakalatag ang mga telang lino, 7 at ang damit na inilagay sa kanyang ulo ay hindi kasamang nakalatag ng mga telang lino, kundi bukod na nakatiklop sa isang tabi. 8 Pumasok din ang alagad na unang dumating sa libingan at kanyang nakita at siya'y naniwala. 9 Sapagkat hindi pa nila nauunawaan ang kasulatan na kailangang siya'y bumangon mula sa mga patay. 10 At ang mga alagad ay bumalik na sa kani-kanilang mga tahanan.

HE SAW AND BELIEVED

Soon as the news that the tomb’s stone was moved away, Peter, being noted for his impulsiveness, ran immediately to the tomb. John, who was younger , outran him and arrived ahead at the tomb but he did not enter in. He waited for Peter to go inside first.

The news was confirmed. 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. The body was gone. However, it couldn’t be either stolen or moved away by force based upon the details of what Peter and John saw.

Looking back, when Lazarus was raised, he was still bound in his burial linens (John 11:44). Jesus was also wrapped, but those strips are still here—the body is gone. Clearly, Christ passed right through the clothes. Later, Jesus will come through a locked door at two occasions in order to speak with the disciples; first, when Thomas was absent (John 20:19) and secondly, when Thomas was present(John 20:26).

Peter and John ran to check it out but were full of skepticisms. However, in some way, John's understanding was greatly helped by this evidence. He saw and believed. Certainly, the detail seems overwhelming to His mind.

Like them, we have the propensity to only believe if we see. May God help us to increase our faith for we need to believe in order to see. For ‘without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.’[Heb 11:6]

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John 20:1-2 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. 2 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.”

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Nang unang araw ng sanlinggo ay maagang pumunta sa libingan si Maria Magdalena, samantalang madilim pa, at nakitang ang bato ay naalis na sa libingan. 2 Kaya't tumakbo siya at pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na minamahal ni Jesus, at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Kinuha nila sa libingan ang Panginoon, at hindi namin alam kung saan nila siya inilagay.”

THE STONE IS MOVED AWAY

The tomb, itself, was marked and guarded to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and inventing a phony resurrection (Mat 27:62–66). Jesus' burial was hastily done since He died when the Sabbath day was approaching (John 19:42). Nicodemus and Joseph made rough preparations (John 19:39–40) However, the ladies had intended to come early morning on the first day of the week [Sunday] to give His body a more thorough, respectful treatment.

Mary Magdalene went ahead of everyone to the tomb while the sun wasn’t up yet. It was still dark. However, she was surprised but won’t mistake to see that the stone that covered the tomb was moved away. Tombs were commonly hewn out of rock and were sealed with a heavy stone to close the entrance. Clearly, such a stone to be rolled over the entrance to the tomb would require multiple people and a lot of strength to move.

Certainly, the stone was not moved in order for Jesus to come out. It is for Mary Magdalene and the others to come in and see that the tomb is empty. And that Jesus has indeed risen. Would we discover God if He hasn’t revealed Himself?

Today, are there some stones that God has to roll away in order for us to see Him? Have you been hindered by these obstacles making you doubtful and skeptical about the claims of Christ. Trust Him. He can move these stones away definitely.

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