“They Have Taken Away the Lord”
Seeking Jesus First - August 20, 2026
“They Have Taken Away the Lord”
Please Read John 20:1–10 (NKJV)
Reflection
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
Mary came while it was still dark. She saw the stone rolled away and immediately concluded the worst: “They have taken away the Lord.” Her love was real, but her understanding was still incomplete. Peter and the beloved disciple ran to the tomb. One arrived first and looked in; the other went all the way inside. They saw the linen cloths and the face cloth folded by itself — clear evidence that this was no ordinary removal of a body. The beloved disciple “saw and believed,” yet John is careful to note that they still did not fully understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead.
Faith had begun, but it was still mixed with confusion. The tomb was empty, the evidence was there, and belief had stirred — yet the full light of the resurrection had not yet dawned on their hearts.
Application
Today, recognize that early faith is often mixed with confusion. Like Mary, Peter, and John, we can love Jesus sincerely and still not fully grasp what He has done.
Renew your mind with this truth: The empty tomb is enough to begin believing, even before full understanding comes. Bring your incomplete faith to the risen Lord. Do not wait until every question is answered to trust Him. Let the evidence of the empty tomb steady your heart while the Holy Spirit continues to open the Scriptures to you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You that Jesus is not there — He is risen. Forgive us for the times our faith has been mixed with confusion or fear. Help us to see and believe, even when we do not yet fully understand. Open the Scriptures to our hearts so that we may know that He must rise from the dead. Strengthen our early faith until it becomes clear and steadfast. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.