What does the disciples' return home in John 20:10 teach about faith? The Scene: John 20:10 “Then the disciples returned to their homes.” What the Departure Reveals • They had just verified the empty tomb (vv. 6–9) but still “did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (v. 9). • Going home shows faith that is awakening yet incomplete—accepting facts without grasping their full, God-given meaning. • Their action spotlights a gap between evidence and understanding, reminding us that true faith stands on both what we see and what God has already said (cf. John 2:22). Faith Lessons Drawn from Their Return • Faith grows in stages – Seeing: the linen cloths (v. 6) supplied undeniable physical proof. – Processing: the quiet walk home gave room for Scripture to reshape their expectations (Luke 24:25–27). – Full conviction: reached only after meeting the risen Lord (John 20:19-28). • Evidence alone is not enough – Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “conviction of things not seen,” not merely things inspected. – We must let God’s Word interpret our experience, not the other way around. • Waiting can be faithful – Returning did not mean desertion; it meant pondering and anticipating God’s next move (Psalm 27:14). • God meets us where we are – Jesus appears to these same men that evening (John 20:19), proving He honors faith even when it is still forming. Contrast: Mary Magdalene Stays (vv. 11–18) • Her refusal to leave models persistence. • She becomes the first eyewitness of the resurrection—evidence that steadfast devotion is rewarded (Jeremiah 29:13). Application for Today • Do not walk away from Scripture until its truth grips your heart. • Let unanswered questions drive you to search the Word, not to drift into doubt. • Trust that the Lord will confirm His promises in His timing (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Share what you have seen so far; testimony, even while incomplete, prepares others to believe (John 20:25). Takeaway The disciples’ quiet journey home teaches that authentic faith may start with partial understanding, but it keeps listening for God, rests on His Word, and remains open for the risen Christ to finish what He has begun. |
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