What does John's response in John 20:5 teach about reverence for holy moments? Setting the Scene Early on Resurrection morning, Mary Magdalene has alerted Peter and John that the stone is rolled away. John outruns Peter to the tomb and arrives first: “He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.” (John 20:5) Observing John’s Response • John stoops—he lowers himself physically before peering into the place where Jesus’ body had lain. • He sees evidence of something miraculous—the graveclothes neatly lying—yet he pauses on the threshold. • His restraint precedes Peter’s entrance and sets a tone of thoughtful, worshipful caution. Lessons on Reverence for Holy Moments • Holy ground deserves humble posture – Like Moses at the bush: “Do not come any closer…take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) • Reverence chooses awe over impulse – Curiosity is natural, but John lets wonder outrank urgency. • Waiting invites deeper insight – Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” John’s stillness readies his heart to grasp the resurrection truth. • Respect for sacred space honors the Lord – Hebrews 12:28: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” • Reverence safeguards faith from casualness – Treating the miraculous lightly can dull spiritual sensitivity; John’s pause guards against that. Supporting Snapshots from Scripture • Joshua before the Commander of the LORD’s army—“Remove your sandals…for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Joshua 5:15) • Isaiah’s vision—“Woe to me!...for my eyes have seen the King.” (Isaiah 6:5) • The disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration “fell facedown to the ground, overcome by fear.” (Matthew 17:6) Practical Ways to Echo John’s Reverence Today • Pause and pray before entering a sanctuary or beginning corporate worship. • Approach Scripture reading expectantly, not casually—ask the Spirit to open your eyes. • Treat the Lord’s Table as a sacred appointment, examining your heart first (1 Corinthians 11:28). • When sensing God’s presence in a moment—at home, in nature, or among believers—slow down, acknowledge Him, and give thanks. • Teach children and new believers the difference between casual familiarity and holy familiarity with the Lord. Closing Reflection John’s simple hesitation at the tomb models a heart that recognizes the weight of God’s acts. Reverence doesn’t hinder faith; it deepens it, preparing us to step into the fullness of resurrection reality with awe-filled confidence. |
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