John 20:10 – “Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes right after Peter and John have seen the empty tomb. They have witnessed the burial linens lying there, and John has even believed that something miraculous has happened (John 20:8). But instead of staying or immediately sharing the news, they simply return home.
At first, this response may seem surprising. Wouldn’t they have gone running to tell the others? Wouldn’t they have searched for Jesus? But their reaction shows that while they saw something amazing, they still didn’t fully understand what it meant. They had not yet seen Jesus alive, and the full significance of the resurrection had not settled in their hearts.
This verse reminds us that even when people encounter the truth, they don’t always know what to do with it right away. Sometimes, understanding takes time. Even Peter and John needed a little more before they could fully grasp the reality of Jesus’ victory over death.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, it was common for people to process significant events in private. The disciples had just experienced a shocking moment—Jesus’ body was missing, and the burial cloths were left behind in an orderly fashion. Instead of reacting publicly, they went back to their lodging place, likely to reflect and talk about what had happened.
At this point, they were still fearful. Jesus had been arrested and crucified just days earlier, and the Jewish leaders had shown hostility toward His followers. Peter and John may have been cautious, unsure of what to do next. The rest of the disciples were also in hiding (John 20:19), afraid that they too might be arrested.
Additionally, at this stage, they had not yet connected the empty tomb to Jesus’ promises of resurrection. The Jewish understanding of resurrection was that it would happen at the end of time, not to one person in the middle of history. Their expectations had been shattered, and they needed time to process what they had seen.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that faith and understanding are not always immediate. John had believed (John 20:8), but belief does not always translate to instant clarity. Many people today also struggle with understanding God’s plan, even when they have seen His work.
It also highlights the idea that encountering truth does not always lead to immediate action. The disciples saw the empty tomb, but instead of running to tell others, they returned home. Sometimes, even when people experience God’s power, they hesitate before acting on it. This shows the importance of continuing to seek God rather than stopping at the first sign of truth.
Additionally, this verse serves as a contrast to what happens next. While Peter and John go home, Mary Magdalene stays (John 20:11). Because she lingers, she is the first to see Jesus alive. This suggests that seeking Jesus with persistence leads to deeper encounters with Him.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel often includes small but meaningful details that reveal deeper truths. This verse, though simple, highlights an important moment of transition. The disciples have witnessed something extraordinary, but they are not yet ready to act on it.
The contrast between Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene is also significant. Peter and John leave, but Mary stays and is rewarded with the first encounter with the risen Jesus. This foreshadows the personal and transformative nature of faith—those who seek Jesus wholeheartedly will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Additionally, this verse serves as a pause before the next major event. It leaves the reader wondering: What happens next? What will they do with what they have seen? This narrative technique builds suspense and invites reflection.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:8-9 – John saw and believed, but they still did not understand the Scriptures about Jesus rising from the dead.
- John 20:11-14 – Mary Magdalene stays at the tomb and is the first to see Jesus alive.
- Luke 24:13-35 – The disciples on the road to Emmaus also struggle to understand Jesus’ resurrection at first.
- John 14:26 – Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would remind them of His words, but they were not yet fully aware of this truth.
- John 20:19 – Later that day, Jesus appears to the disciples while they are still behind locked doors.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that faith often involves a process. Many times, people see evidence of God’s work, but they don’t fully understand it right away. That’s okay—God is patient with our journey of faith.
It also challenges us to ask: When we encounter Jesus, do we simply go back to our normal lives, or do we press in to seek more? The disciples returned home, but Mary stayed, and she was blessed with a deeper revelation. If we want to experience the fullness of Jesus, we must be willing to seek Him persistently.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to reflect before acting. Sometimes, stepping back and seeking God in prayer and Scripture helps us understand His plan more clearly. Faith isn’t always about immediate action—it’s also about growing in understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God is patient with our doubts and confusion. He did not condemn the disciples for going home—He continued to reveal Himself to them in His perfect timing. This shows His kindness and grace toward those who seek Him, even when they don’t fully understand.
It also reminds us that God meets us where we are. The disciples didn’t fully grasp what had happened yet, but Jesus would soon appear to them and help them understand. In the same way, God doesn’t leave us in our confusion—He leads us to truth step by step.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had told His disciples multiple times that He would rise from the dead (Matthew 16:21, John 2:19-22), but they struggled to understand. This verse highlights that His resurrection was so unexpected that even His closest followers didn’t fully know what to do at first.
However, this moment was just the beginning. Jesus would soon appear to His disciples, proving that He was alive and commissioning them to spread the Gospel (John 20:19-23). His resurrection was not just a personal victory—it was the foundation for the mission of the church.
- John 10:17-18 – Jesus said He had the authority to lay down His life and take it up again.
- Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares, “I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus later commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter and John went home instead of searching for Jesus?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you saw God working but didn’t know what to do next?
- How does this verse challenge you to seek Jesus more persistently?
- In what ways do you sometimes return to “normal life” instead of pressing deeper into your faith?
- How can you encourage others who may be struggling to understand God’s plan in their lives?
This verse is a reminder that faith is a journey. Even when we don’t fully understand, God is at work, leading us toward deeper truth. The empty tomb was just the beginning—Jesus was about to reveal Himself in a way that would change everything.