When Jesus was crucified, his disciples were devastated. They had lost their leader, their friend, and their hope for a better future.
But three days later, something incredible happened – Jesus rose from the dead. The Bible tells us that some of his disciples went to his tomb to see if it was true.
Which Disciples Went to Jesus’ Tomb?
According to the Gospel of John (20:1), Mary Magdalene was the first person to go to Jesus’ tomb on the morning of his resurrection. However, she found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. She ran back to tell Peter and another disciple (whom John refers to as “the one whom Jesus loved”).
In Luke’s Gospel (24:9), we learn that after Mary told the disciples what she had seen, “Peter got up and ran to the tomb.” When he arrived, he saw that it was indeed empty except for the linen wrappings that had been used to cover Jesus’ body.
In Matthew’s Gospel (28:8-10), we read that after Mary Magdalene saw the empty tomb, she met Jesus himself. He told her to go tell his disciples what she had seen. As she was on her way, Jesus appeared to her again with a message for his followers.
Why Did They Go?
Why did these disciples run to Jesus’ tomb? Surely they knew that he had been killed and buried – why would they expect him to be alive again?
For some of them, it may have been curiosity or disbelief. They wanted to see for themselves if what Mary Magdalene had said was true.
For others, like Peter, it may have been a desperate hope that perhaps somehow Jesus really had risen from the dead. In any case, when they arrived at the tomb and saw that it was empty except for the linen wrappings, they must have been stunned. What could it mean?
The Significance of the Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is one of the most significant events in the Christian faith. It represents the moment when death was conquered and eternal life became possible for all who believe. It is a symbol of hope and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work.
As we reflect on the disciples who ran to Jesus’ tomb, we can see their courage and their willingness to seek the truth. They were not content to simply accept what others had told them – they wanted to know for themselves what had happened. May we all have that same courage and determination as we seek to understand God’s plan for our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Magdalene was the first person to go to Jesus’ tomb on the morning of his resurrection, followed by Peter and other disciples. Their motives may have been different, but they all shared a desire to know if Jesus really had risen from the dead. The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of hope and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work.