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The One Year New Testament

October 9

John 20:1-10

John 20:1-10

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Reflection

How appropriate that Mary Magdalene was the first follower of Jesus to arrive at his tomb on resurrection morning (John 20:1). The Light of the World (8:12) had driven the darkness of seven demons from her soul (Luke 8:2); and now she came, while it was still dark, to witness the dawning of the new creation.

Peter and John’s slowness to accept the reality and significance of Jesus’ resurrection shouldn’t surprise us. Like them, we also need the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Scriptures reveal about the person and work of Jesus. After John “saw and believed” (John 20:8), he and Peter went back to their homes to share the good news with their families. At Jesus’ dedication as an infant, Simeon told Jesus’ mother that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Now, after Christ’s resurrection, John got to tell her that Jesus had pierced death’s soul and destroyed it (cf. 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:14).

1 Peter 1:13-21

1 Peter 1:13-21

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Reflection

Peter now turns to the more practical matters of obedience and endurance under hardship. Believers are first commanded not to set their hope on their own efforts or their own strength but “fully on the grace” that will be completely and finally revealed when Christ returns (1 Pet. 1:13). We are granted grace here and now; and yet this grace will be publicly displayed before the whole world upon Christ’s second coming.

The commands of verses 14–17 flow from “knowing that you were ransomed” (v. 18). This grace is priceless! The “precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb” (v. 19) makes “silver or gold” (v. 18) seem like rubbish. We have been ransomed by the imperishable blood of Christ, which purchases eternal life for us. This is the rhythm of Christian living created by the gospel of grace. Having been rescued, we are freed to live a life of glad obedience. Having been loved so well, our delight is to love in return. You are not loved because you obey; you obey because you are loved: “knowing that you were ransomed” (v. 18).

Psalm 69:16-18

Psalm 69:16-18

16 Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
17 Hide not your face from your servant;
for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
18 Draw near to my soul, redeem me;
ransom me because of my enemies!

Thoughts For Prayer

Our salvation is freely given to us, but it came at an incredible price. Give some thought to the fact that Jesus gave his own life as a ransom in order to provide eternal life for us, and give praise to God for this generous act of love.

Missions Prayer Requests More

  • October 9,2025

    Supported Workers: E & J North Africa

    Countries:

    E & J are thankful for our prayers for their recent team meetings. It was nice spending time with their teammates, catching up and planning for the future. The elders of the fellowship where they serve expressed some concerns about a team member, who was sent to work with the team down south. Please pray for healing in that relationship and that the things that need to be addressed will be addressed well in grace and truth.

    Saint Martin (Caribbean) Population: 24,941 Believers: 2.5%. The tropical location and French liberality combine to make this a playground for the most wealthy. Exclusive hotels, clothing-optional beaches, designer-clothing boutiques, and cafés typify the island’s culture. There is little room for or interest in a life of service to Christ. Pray that in the midst of this elegant but hedonistic paradise, people might gain a hunger for an eternal heaven. Saint Pierre & Miquelon (North America) Population: 5,574 Believers: <0.1%. These isolated islands and their people have long been Catholic. Traditions are strong and change has come slowly, despite the economic downturn when the fishing industry all but disappeared. Pray for people to find hope in a living relationship with Christ. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.