While It Was Still Dark

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

While It Was Still Dark

Date: Sep. 4, 2024

Passage

John 20:1-10 (ESV)

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 20:1

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

In the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, to those who followed Jesus and loved him dearly, the world must have felt like a dark and tragic affair. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus deeply. She was a follower of Jesus and financial supporter (Lk 8:3) and was with Jesus at the cross along with other women (Jn 19:25). Perhaps she knew this day would come but was still unprepared for the devastation and heartache. Of course, it was she who was at his tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark.

She saw that the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty. She alerted two of the disciples and they saw it with their own eyes. They could not imagine the world could be any darker. Where was God in all of this?

Sometimes it is hard to understand tragedy, or things may get worse before getting better. Sometimes the darkest times are right before the dawn.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I just don’t know what to think or am overwhelmed by darkness. Have mercy on me and somehow bring the light of dawn.

One Word: Hope for light

Fallen Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

Key Verse: 18:4

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

  “Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins,
  lest you share in her plagues;

Today's Question

What does the third commandment require?

See answer and references