John 20:5 – “He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.”

Extended Explanation

John, often referred to as “the other disciple” in his Gospel, was the first to arrive at Jesus’ tomb. He bent down and looked inside but hesitated to enter. What he saw was unexpected—the strips of linen that had been used to wrap Jesus’ body were still there.

This small detail is significant. If grave robbers had taken Jesus’ body, they would not have left the burial cloths behind, especially neatly arranged (as John 20:6-7 later reveals). This was the first clue that something extraordinary had happened.

John’s hesitation is also notable. Though he arrived first, he did not rush in. This could have been out of respect, awe, or uncertainty about what he was seeing. His cautious approach contrasts with Peter, who arrived next and immediately entered (John 20:6). This shows different personalities in faith—some take time to process what they see, while others respond with boldness.

Historical Context

Jewish burial customs in the first century involved wrapping a body in linen cloths, with spices placed between the layers. The face was often covered with a separate cloth (as mentioned in John 20:7).

Tombs were often carved into rock, with a small entrance requiring visitors to bend down to look inside. John’s action of stooping to see inside was a normal physical response. However, his choice not to enter right away shows a deep reverence for what he was witnessing.

The presence of the burial cloths was crucial evidence. In ancient times, grave robbers might steal valuable items, but leaving the linen behind would have made no sense. If Jesus’ body had been stolen, it would have been taken quickly, without time to unwrap it. This detail points to the reality that Jesus had not been stolen—He had risen.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the different ways people process faith. Some, like John, take time to understand before fully stepping in. Others, like Peter, act first and understand later. Both approaches are valuable, showing that faith is personal and grows differently in each believer.

It also points to the resurrection as a historical event. The details of the empty tomb—the presence of the grave clothes, the open entrance, and the eyewitness accounts—lay the foundation for believing in the resurrection. Christianity is not based on myths but on real events that were seen and recorded.

Additionally, this verse shows that faith often involves both seeing and seeking. John saw the evidence but had not yet fully grasped what it meant. This is true for many believers—God gives us glimpses of truth, but understanding and belief often come in stages.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of contrasts—light and darkness, belief and doubt, action and hesitation. Here, we see another contrast between John and Peter. John arrives first but hesitates, while Peter arrives second but enters immediately. This highlights their personalities but also serves as a picture of different responses to Jesus.

John also uses careful storytelling to emphasize that he was an eyewitness. His inclusion of small details—bending over, seeing the linen cloths, but not entering—adds to the credibility of his testimony. He is not just recounting a distant story but something he personally experienced.

The mention of linen cloths is also significant. In John 11:44, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus emerged still wrapped in burial cloths. But Jesus’ burial cloths were left behind. This suggests a key difference—Lazarus was merely revived, but Jesus had been resurrected in a transformed body.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 20:6-7 – Peter sees the burial cloths and notices that the face cloth is folded separately.
• Luke 24:12 – Peter also sees the linen strips and is amazed.
• John 11:44 – When Jesus raised Lazarus, Lazarus still wore his grave clothes, unlike Jesus.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul confirms that Jesus was buried and raised on the third day.
• John 2:19-22 – Jesus had told His disciples He would rise again, but they did not understand at first.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse encourages believers to seek Jesus with an open heart. Like John, we may hesitate at times, but God gives us evidence of His truth. Seeing is not enough—we must step forward in faith.

It also reminds us that faith does not always come instantly. Some people process things slowly, needing time to reflect. That is okay—what matters is that we keep seeking Jesus.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to consider what we do with the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. John saw the linen cloths but did not enter right away. Many people today hear about Jesus but hesitate to take the next step. The empty tomb demands a response—will we step in and believe?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God is patient with our faith journey. He did not demand immediate belief from John or Peter but allowed them to see and process what had happened. This shows that God meets people where they are, giving them time to understand.

It also reveals that God provides evidence for those who seek Him. The burial cloths were left behind as a sign that Jesus had truly risen. God does not expect blind faith—He gives us reasons to believe.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ resurrection was not just a spiritual event—it was a physical reality. His body was not stolen or hidden; He had risen in a new and glorified form. The empty tomb and the carefully placed linen cloths are key details that point to the truth of His resurrection.

• 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!”
• Romans 6:9 – “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again.”
• 1 Peter 1:3 – Believers have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think John hesitated to enter the tomb?
2. Have you ever hesitated in your faith journey, even after seeing evidence of God’s work?
3. How do the details of the empty tomb strengthen your belief in the resurrection?
4. What step of faith is God calling you to take today?
5. How can you encourage others who may be hesitant to fully commit to following Jesus?

This verse reminds us that faith is a journey. Some see and immediately believe, while others need time to process. The good news is that Jesus is patient, and He meets us where we are. The empty tomb is not just an event in history—it is an invitation to believe.