Easter morning brings with it the greatest news the world has ever known—Jesus is risen! In this passage John 20:1-9, we follow Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John as they discover the empty tomb. Their journey from confusion to belief mirrors our own faith journey, reminding us that sometimes, faith and understanding come in stages.

“While It Was Still Dark.” Mary came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark (John 20:1). Her heart was heavy with grief, yet she remained faithful, seeking to honor Jesus even after his death. Darkness often represents uncertainty, fear, and sorrow. Mary’s journey in the dark reflects the moments in our lives when we struggle to see God’s plan. Even in life’s darkest moments, faith calls us to move forward. Mary’s love for Jesus led her to the tomb, and though she did not yet understand the miracle about to unfold, she was present. In our own trials, let us keep seeking Christ, knowing that his light will shine through our darkness.

“They Have Taken the Lord.” Upon seeing the stone rolled away, Mary immediately ran to tell Peter and John, fearing that someone had stolen Jesus’ body (John 20:2). Her grief deepened—what could this mean? Mary’s response is deeply human. She was trying to make sense of an incomprehensible situation. Sometimes, when we don’t understand God’s plan, our minds jump to the worst conclusions. God’s works often surpass our expectations. When life takes unexpected turns, instead of assuming the worst, let us trust that something greater may be unfolding. God’s plan for us is never one of abandonment but of redemption and renewal.

“He Saw and Believed.” John arrived first but waited for Peter, the head of the apostles, to enter first. Peter, bold as always, went inside and saw the burial cloths neatly folded. When John finally entered, he saw and believed (John 20:8). Faith often unfolds gradually. Mary Magdalene was distressed, Peter observed, and John believed. Each person encountered the empty tomb in a different way, reminding us that faith is personal and progressive. Christ’s resurrection is not just an event but an invitation. Like John, once we see and truly believe, our lives are transformed. The resurrection is a promise that death does not have the final say—hope prevails.

Our faith is often tested in our darkest hours. It’s easy to believe when everything is bright and clear, but true faith calls us to move forward even when we cannot see the path ahead. Like Mary, our love for Christ and our desire to be close to him should guide us through the darkness, trusting that even in the deepest night, the light of hope can break through.

Let us Pray. Risen Lord, we thank you for the gift of your resurrection. In moments of doubt and darkness, help us to seek you, even when we do not yet understand. May our hearts be open to the unfolding of your truth and the joy of believing. Strengthen our faith and fill us with Easter hope, that we may carry your light to the world. Amen.