I remember the thrill of seeing Magic Eye pictures at the mall in the 90s. At first, all you see is a chaotic pattern, but then, like a revelation, the hidden image pops out at you. This experience mirrors the way we perceive the resurrection of Jesus. In John 20:1-10, three people see the same empty tomb but interpret it differently, just like the varying reactions to a Magic Eye picture.

Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb and sees the stone rolled away. She assumes the worst—that Jesus' body has been stolen. Her grief blinds her to the truth of the resurrection. Similarly, we can be overwhelmed by our immediate circumstances, failing to see the bigger picture of hope and resurrection that God is painting.

Then there’s John, who glances into the tomb but stays outside. He sees the evidence but remains hesitant, not fully grasping what it means. This is like many of us who acknowledge the story of Jesus but keep it at arm's length, distracted by life's chaos and fears. We might see the crowds and the commotion but miss the miracle.

Peter, however, takes a different approach. He goes into the tomb, looks at the linen strips, and begins to piece together the story. He’s like the person who sees a movie and tries to understand the plot, even if the ending isn't clear. Christianity invites us to use our minds, to question, and to seek understanding. It’s a faith that stands up to scrutiny and investigation.

Finally, John goes inside, sees, and believes. The light bulb goes off, and he grasps the truth of the resurrection. This isn’t a blind leap but a reasoned conclusion. He doesn’t have all the answers, but he understands enough to trust.

Each of us might find ourselves in different places on this spectrum of seeing and believing. Whether you're glancing, gazing, or grasping, the empty tomb challenges us to look deeper and ask ourselves what we truly see and believe about Jesus' resurrection. It’s an invitation to move beyond the surface and engage with the transformative power of Easter.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways can life's distractions and anxieties keep you from seeing the deeper truths of the resurrection?
2. How can you move from merely acknowledging the story of Jesus to actively seeking to understand and trust it?
3. What questions or doubts do you have about the resurrection, and how can you seek answers in a way that strengthens your faith?

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