First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

JOHN 20:1-18 – THREE AT THE EMPTY TOMB

Easter Sunday AM 4/9/23

• Jesus had died. John saw it! John 19:31-37
• Jesus was buried. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took care of that. John 19:38-42
• Sunday came! The tomb was discovered to be empty!
• John tells of three who were at the empty tomb and three initial reactions.
• The tomb is still empty! What is your reaction?
• We will read the story again, and comment along the way.

PETER WAS CONFUSED LATER CONFRONTED – Vss. 1-7

• Vs. 5 – six Greek words can be translated “to see”. This one means to ‘observe without necessarily understanding’.
• Vs. 6 – The word here means that he looked to examine and investigate.
• Comparing Luke 24:12 – John MacArthur says that word “marveling” here could be translated “wondering”.
• My own take on it is Peter was still somewhat confused.
• Peter later that day was confronted by the resurrected living Lord. Luke 12:34
• It’s okay to be confused, but don’t stay that way take the step of faith to “see” your risen Lord!

JOHN WAS CONVINCED LATER CONFIRMED – Vss. 8-10

• Vs. 8 – John saw – He ‘perceived with understanding’ and believed. He was convinced! He got it!
• How convinced are you?
• His faith was confirmed when he saw Jesus. Vss. 19-21

MARY WAS CONCERNED, LATER COMFORTED – Vss. 11-18

• Concerned is a mild word. She was devastated because she had assumed the worst.
• Vs. 17 – Mary could not hold on to Jesus. There was now a new relationship. He was going back to heaven.
• She was to go and share the message with the disciples.
• The risen Lord should bring you comfort. No matter what goes wrong, Jesus is risen, and Jesus is Lord!
• Jesus promises peace. John 14:1-6, 27
• Jesus is sending us with the comfort which has comforted us. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 18-20