Joh 20:3-8, 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple (John)…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, …but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb… 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
Mary Magdalene had visited the tomb found Jesus’ body missing. She ran back and delivered the message to Peter and John. Peter the denier immediately went out with John. John who knew of Peter’s actions still worked with him. John had been entrusted with Jesus’ mother, Peter had denied Jesus. For Peter even to go with John was a testimony to Jesus prayer that Simon’s faith would not fail even after the episodes, and that he would be restored and there after strengthen the brethren (Luk 22:32). In this he would be encouraged of Christ’s steadfast love for him. The young and swift John got there first but was afraid to go in, but Peter who was slow but brave went into the tomb and confirmed. The nature of the clothing in order perhaps made Peter to start thinking that maybe the prophecy had been fulfilled, He was alive. The actions of Peter to go in gave John courage to follow and confirm.
Our take way from these few verses on the day Jesus resurrected. First, both men though at odds with each other were moved to act swiftly together. Second, they each used their strengths to build one another. Peter needed John swiftness to encourage him to run faster. John needed Peter’s courage to follow him into the tomb. Peter saw and wondered (Luk 24:12), but John saw and believed. The resurrection of Jesus unites even believers at odds with each other. The message of His resurrection helps us encourage one another in both our weaknesses and strengths. We can go far when we are united in this message. “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.” (Ecc 4:9). Happy resurrection day.