John 20:1-10 – Peter and John
Different believers have different personalities, and we see that in these verses. Both Peter and John (the disciple Jesus loves) run to the tomb, but John reaches the grave first. Then we see the difference between the two men. John, more gentle, quiet, tender, reserved, and deep-feeling, stoops down and looks in but goes no further. Peter, more hot, zealous, impulsive, and fervent, can’t be content without going into the tomb and seeing everything with his own eyes. Both love the Lord deeply. Both of their hearts are full of hopes, fears, anxieties, and expectations mixed up together. But each acts differently, and we need to remember this about believers today. Just because another Christian doesn’t see or feel things exactly the way we do, doesn’t mean they aren’t a Christian. We all love the same Saviour and are on the way to the same Heaven, but we don’t all have the same personality. Some of us are like Peter and some of us like John, and there is a place and a work for everyone.
Finally, notice in these verses that even among these true believers, there is a lot of ignorance. For three years these two chief apostles have heard Christ talk about His resurrection, but they don’t understand Him. They can’t take in His meaning, and when it happens they don’t make any connection. Thankfully, we don’t need to know or understand everything God has said to be saved. Some things we do need to know – our sin and guilt, Christ as a Saviour, the need to repent and believe – knowing these things are essential to salvation. But we don’t need to despair because our knowledge is imperfect and because there is much we don’t understand.
Questions
- What do we need to remember about different believers?
- What do Peter and John not understand?
- What do we need to understand to be saved?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.