Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 20:1-10
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 20:1-10 to reveal the profound truth of Christ’s resurrection and the disciples’ journey from confusion to faith.
In this expository sermon on John 20:1-10, J.C. Ryle carefully unpacks the events surrounding the discovery of the empty tomb. He highlights the disciples’ initial confusion and eventual faith as they witness the evidence of Christ’s resurrection. Ryle’s teaching encourages believers to trust in the fulfillment of Scripture and the hope found in the risen Savior.
Text
Now very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. So she went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!" Then Peter and the other disciple set out to go to the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who had been following him, arrived and went right into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, and the face cloth, which had been around Jesus’ head, not lying with the strips of linen cloth but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first came in, and he saw and believed. (For they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.) So the disciples went back to their homes.
The chapter we have now begun takes us from Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Discovery of the Empty Tomb
- Mary Magdalene finds the stone rolled away
- She informs Peter and the beloved disciple
- The disciples run to investigate
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II. The Evidence Inside the Tomb
- The linen cloths lying separately
- The face cloth rolled up distinctly
- The disciples’ observations lead to belief
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III. The Disciples’ Understanding and Faith
- The beloved disciple believes upon seeing
- They did not yet understand the Scripture fully
- The resurrection fulfills God’s promises
Key Quotes
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” — J.C. Ryle
“He saw and believed, for they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.” — J.C. Ryle
“The face cloth, which had been around Jesus’ head, was not lying with the strips of linen cloth but rolled up in a place by itself.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in the resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith.
- Observe carefully the evidence God provides to strengthen your belief.
- Seek to understand Scripture deeply to grow in faith and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mary Magdalene come to the tomb early?
Mary came early to anoint Jesus’ body, showing her devotion and love.
What is the significance of the linen cloths in the tomb?
The linen cloths indicate Jesus’ body was not stolen but resurrected, as the grave clothes were left orderly.
Why did the beloved disciple believe upon seeing the empty tomb?
He believed because the evidence of the empty tomb and the grave clothes matched the Scripture about Jesus rising.
What Scripture did the disciples not yet understand?
They had not yet grasped the prophecy that Jesus must rise from the dead, as foretold in the Old Testament.