The Body Is Gone!

The Body Is Gone. In John 20, we see Mary Magdalene approach the sepulchre of Jesus and discover that not only is the stone taken away, but there is no body. That is not shocking to us, is it? We are familiar with the account of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, but Mary Magdalene was not expecting this; she was shocked!

1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

John 20:1-2, King James Version

The Body Is Gone

Each of the Gospels has an account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, with their own unique variations. In John 20, we see Mary Magdalene approach the sepulchre of Jesus and discover that not only is the stone taken away, but the body is gone!

That is not shocking to us, is it? We are familiar with the account of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, but Mary Magdalene was not expecting this; she was shocked! She ran to find the disciples. Coming upon Simon Peter and John she said, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

What is this? What is happening? How could things be any worse? First Mary experienced the most grief she had ever experienced in watching her Lord die such an ignominious death, and now this!

What would our salvation be like without the body of Jesus? There would be no salvation! His death was a necessary part of our salvation. But, we know it does not end there; following His death was His resurrection. For, without His resurrection there would be no hope for our coming resurrection as well.

Mary Magdalene was caught in the middle of the storm, and nothing could be more bleak. As we pass through the storms of life, remember it is not true that the body is gone! Jesus is alive, sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. Unlike Mary, we have hope even at the gravest of times; we know that our Lord is eternal, and brings to us that same eternal life.

This world is not our eternal home. Our eternal home is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

Next: He Saw and Believed, verses 3-10