Read John 20:1–18

Have you ever noticed how much running happens in the Bible? Beyond being a metaphor for our spiritual journey—like running the race of faith (1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1)—we also see literal running in moments of significance. In the resurrection story, there’s a lot of running as well, but this running is purposeful: it’s about seeking truth, seeing evidence, and spreading the good news.

In John 20:1–18, three individuals run toward the tomb of Jesus, each representing a different type of faith: simple, struggling, and grieving. As we reflect on their journeys, we’re invited to find ourselves in their experiences and to respond to the resurrection in our own lives.

1. A Simple Faith – The Apostle John

John, often called the disciple Jesus loved, had a close relationship with Christ. He was part of Jesus’ inner circle, present at the Mount of Transfiguration and in Gethsemane. At the Last Supper, he sat beside Jesus, and at the crucifixion, he was entrusted with the care of Jesus’ mother (John 19:26–27).

When Mary Magdalene reported the empty tomb, John and Peter ran to see it. Though John arrived first, he waited outside. After Peter went in, John entered too—and believed (John 20:8–9). He didn’t need to see Jesus to believe in the resurrection; the empty tomb was enough. His was a simple, childlike faith, the kind Jesus praises: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29b).

This kind of faith trusts God without needing every answer. It sees the beauty and design in creation and concludes, “This must be the work of a Creator.” It doesn’t mean being naïve—it’s about a confident trust in God’s Word. Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). That’s simple faith.

2. A Struggling Faith – The Apostle Peter

Peter is the picture of a faith that struggles. One moment, he boldly declares Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), and the next, he rebukes Jesus for speaking of His death. Jesus corrects him: “You are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).

Peter wanted to follow Jesus courageously, even cutting off a soldier’s ear to defend Him. But when confronted after Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied Him three times, just as Jesus had foretold. After the crucifixion, Peter likely carried immense guilt and shame.

When he entered the empty tomb, Peter didn’t come away with the same faith as John. The text says, “Then the disciples went away again to their own homes” (John 20:10). Peter didn’t yet believe fully—his faith was still clouded by remorse and confusion.

But Peter’s story didn’t end in failure. When Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection, He didn’t rebuke Peter. Instead, He restored him, giving him purpose again: “Feed my sheep.” Jesus shows us that even struggling faith is still valuable and redeemable. Easter tells us that our failures are not final.

3. A Grieving Faith – Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb grieving. She had loved and followed Jesus and was there at His crucifixion and burial. On that morning, she expected to care for a dead body, not witness a resurrection.

Even after seeing angels and hearing them say Jesus had risen, she remained heartbroken. She thought someone had taken His body and said, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him” (John 20:13). Then Jesus appeared, but in her grief, she didn’t recognize Him—until He spoke her name.

That personal moment reveals something powerful: in our grief and despair, Jesus is present and calls to us. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them… and they shall never perish” (John 10:27–28). Mary’s grief turned to joy in an instant.

Perhaps Easter is hard for some because of personal loss—of a loved one, a dream, or even faith itself. But the message of Easter is that Jesus is alive and present, even in our pain.

Conclusion: The Message of Easter

Easter proclaims three life-changing truths:

• The cross is empty—our sins can be forgiven.
• The tomb is empty—we can have eternal life.
• The grave clothes are empty—Jesus desires a personal relationship with each of us.

Jesus is alive. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20). The question is: Do you truly know Him?

Whatever type of faith you bring today—simple, struggling, or grieving—know that Jesus meets you there. He is alive, offering grace, forgiveness, and hope. If you’ve never accepted Him, don’t wait. Today is the day to open the door to abundant and eternal life.

Let your faith run to Him—and watch how He turns your graveyard into a garden.

Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website.

Image by Michael De Groot from Pixabay