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John 20:9 (BSB)
For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” — John 20:9
Imagine standing in a dimly lit tomb, the air thick with confusion and sadness. You see two followers of Jesus, their hearts racing with disbelief. They heard the shocking news that He was supposed to come back to life, but right now, it feels like just a distant dream. This moment captures their struggle to grasp what’s happening. They don’t yet fully understand that this isn’t just about loss; it’s about something extraordinary about to unfold. This verse highlights their bewilderment and sets the stage for a revelation that will change everything.
This book was written by John, one of Jesus’ closest friends. John had a unique perspective because he was there, witnessing everything firsthand. He included this detail to show us just how profound the moment was. He wanted to capture the raw emotion of confusion and surprise that even the closest followers of Jesus felt. John was passionate about sharing the truth of who Jesus was and the incredible impact of His life and resurrection, making sure we see the full picture of what happened.
This verse was written in a time and place where hope often felt distant. The Jewish people were under Roman rule, facing oppression and uncertainty. The atmosphere was charged with a longing for freedom and a Savior. This specific timing matters because it highlights just how revolutionary the idea of resurrection was. For the people then, the thought that someone could rise from the dead was mind-blowing! It was a moment that challenged everything they believed about life and death, and it’s set against a backdrop of deep cultural and spiritual expectations.
This verse matters to you today because it speaks to the very human experience of confusion and disbelief when faced with the unexpected. Maybe you’ve felt lost or uncertain about things in your life. This moment reminds you that even those closest to Jesus struggled to understand what was happening. It shows that it’s okay to have questions and doubts. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that something amazing can happen—just wait for the clarity and hope that can follow.
This week, take a moment to reflect on your own questions and uncertainties. Instead of pushing them aside, sit with them. Ask yourself what you're struggling to understand in your life right now. Just like those followers, be open to the possibility that something incredible could be just around the corner. As you go through your week, pay attention to moments that might bring new insights or revelations, just as the followers of Jesus eventually experienced.
To truly understand this moment, you need to step back a bit. Just before this verse, there’s been a whirlwind of events: Jesus was crucified, buried, and now the tomb is empty. The followers are grappling with heartbreak and confusion. This verse appears right after they’ve discovered the empty tomb, signaling a crucial turning point. It's the climax of their shock—this is the moment before the lightbulb goes off, where the story shifts from despair to hope. The tension is thick, and the realization of what’s to come is about to break through the fog of misunderstanding.
What doubts or uncertainties are you facing right now that feel heavy on your heart, and how might you be open to new understandings or possibilities coming your way?
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