Mary Magdalene went to the tomb very early, and found the tomb empty. She ran to tell Peter and the other disciple (the one whom Jesus loved: the Apostle John, it is generally reckoned), and these two disciples hurried to the tomb (John 20:1-3).

The two ran together for a while, and then the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first (20:4). Nothing depends on this detail; there is no theological point being supported, no special “doctrine of running” or some such. Instead, this is simply a casual reminiscence that points to this being a personal recollection of someone who was there. It is perhaps an indication that the writer of the gospel remembers with a little bit of pride that in this particular footrace he ran just a little faster than his friend.

At the tomb, Simon Peter went in and saw the linen burial wrappings still lying there, and the turban-like wrapping that had been around Jesus’ head at the side. Then the beloved disciple stepped inside, and he “saw” and believed (20:8) – though they did not yet “see” the scripture that he must rise from the dead (20:9). Many translations render this with the words that the two disciples did not yet “know” or “understand” the scripture, it is actually the same word, ὁράω, horao, “to see,” that is used in both places.

This shows us a distinction that the gospel makes: we can “see” or believe that Jesus is raised from the dead, without yet fully “seeing” or grasping a full scriptural understanding of what we have believed. The beloved disciple sees and believes, but he doesn’t yet see what it means in the light of scripture. Similarly, we ourselves will often experience an insight or an awareness of something about Jesus, without yet fully grasping what it means: we do not yet “see” the scripture that will explain it and enable us to come to a fuller understanding.

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We believe in you, Lord Jesus: though often our vision is skimpy, and there is so much that we do not (yet) see or understand. Teach us to persevere in reading the scriptures, so that day by day we may grow in understanding: for it is our desire to know you, and to know your word.