What is the meaning of John 20:5? He bent down John pauses to show a deliberate act of humility and reverence. The beloved disciple does not rush. Like Mary who later “bent down to look into the tomb” (John 20:11), and like Peter in Luke 24:12 who also “bent down,” this posture underscores awe before God’s works. It recalls moments when servants of God lowered themselves in holy places—Moses removing his sandals before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) and Elijah covering his face at Horeb (1 Kings 19:13). •Stooping signals respect for a place touched by the power of God. •It also shows eagerness: John cannot stay away, yet he approaches thoughtfully, honoring the sacredness of the scene. and looked in The disciple’s gaze is intentional; he wants firsthand evidence. Scripture often links seeing with belief—“what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon” (1 John 1:1). Angels themselves “long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12), and here a human witness does the same. •This “look” is the beginning of testimony that will soon spread (John 20:8; Acts 4:20). •It reminds us that faith is never blind credulity; God provides observable signs so we may “know the certainty of the things we have been taught” (Luke 1:4). at the linen cloths lying there What John sees matters. The grave wrappings are still present, exactly where Jesus’ body had been laid after Joseph and Nicodemus “wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices” (John 19:40). Luke 24:12 notes the same detail, and John will soon add that “the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was folded up by itself” (John 20:7). •Grave robbers would not unwrap a body and neatly arrange cloths; the orderly scene argues powerfully for resurrection, not theft (Matthew 28:11–15). •The calm arrangement echoes Isaiah 52:13, where the Servant acts wisely—nothing frantic or chaotic surrounds the risen Lord. but he did not go in John hesitates, holding back until Peter arrives and enters first (John 20:6). Respect for Peter’s recognized leadership (Matthew 16:18–19) may guide him, but the moment also illustrates differing temperaments in the body of Christ. •Some, like Peter, are impetuous; others, like John, are reflective—yet both will soon stand together proclaiming the risen Savior (Acts 3:15). •The pause heightens suspense and invites us to ponder. God sometimes allows a moment of waiting so the truth can settle into our hearts (Psalm 27:14). •John’s restraint does not diminish his faith; when he finally enters, “he saw and believed” (John 20:8). summary John’s slight stoop, careful look, focus on the linen cloths, and respectful delay weave a vivid, trustworthy picture of resurrection morning. The empty tomb is not myth but verifiable history. The evidence is orderly, open to inspection, and convincing to anyone willing to bend down, look in, and consider what God has done. |
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