Stations of the Resurrection: Station 4: Disciples at the Tomb

Stations of the Resurrection

By

Raymond Chapman

Station 4

Disciples at the Tomb

      V   We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee

18. Because by thy glorious Resurrection thou has given life to the world

The two disciples were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came following him, and went into the tomb. (John 20:4-6)

The disciples kept their distinctive characters even in this hour of fear and wonder: Peter always rushing into action, the Beloved Disciple more hesitant and full of reverent awe. Different in temperament, they were both called to be witnesses to the truth, then thereafter.

We give for the diversity of Christian disciple; for the many gifts used in God’s service; for the friendship of other Christians with whom we seek and find the Lord. In the fellowship of the Church there is need for many types, drawn together in faith.

We each have our own particular failings, perhaps of impetuosity or timidity, or some other part of our nature, which makes our service imperfect. Help us to find the strength that lies hidden in our weakness, so that we may learn in what way we are being called to our Christian duty.

V         Christ is risen.

R         He is risen indeed.

V         Let us bless the Lord.

R         Thanks be to God.

Running so fast, but still hesitant, loving so much that love dared not venture closer. Was it you. John, the son of Zebedee? You were not so gentle when Jesus called you and you brother Sons of Thunder. You had to bend to look into that miracle of emptiness, as once wise men had stooped into a stable. Or were you another John, the faithful, well-loved follower, the silent watcher at the Cross? Whoever you were, the love of Jesus opened your eyes to see his glory and to make it known to tall he ages.

Of course, Peter went straight in, because it was the next thing to do and no time for thinking. Wait. Peter, your time will come and there will be a special message for you.

It would be so easy to be confused in the amazement of that early morning, to mistake the tomb. But there the cloths, and you saw them, the last gift of sorrowing friends, the last link with the human body that needed the things of this world. It was no illusion: this was the place they had laid him.

You had been friend for so long, twelve chosen friends waiting for the coming of the Kingdom. Only yesterday it has seemed the promise was broken, the company dispersed. It was just beginning, a new and more glorious fellowship that would hold all time, all people in God’s eternal life.

It holds even me, as surely as it holds those who ran to seek him in the garden on that distant morning.

Risen Lord, make my feet swift to come to you. Teach me to bend low, from the height of self to humble sharing in the fellowship of the faithful.