Running to the Tomb: Seeing the Evidence of the Resurrection

Brothers and sisters, have you ever been in a situation where the evidence of something profound—something miraculous—was right before your eyes, but you couldn't quite process it?

It’s a feeling I think every one of us who has been on the mission field, or who has experienced a deep visitation of the Spirit, can relate to. There are moments where the curtain lifts, and you see something so clearly that your first instinct is to run toward it, to gather your companions, and to *see* it with your own eyes.

The account from John, recounting the visit to the tomb early Sunday morning, captures that very tension. Mary Magdalene, running ahead, seeing the stone rolled away. Peter and the other disciple running behind. The eagerness, the urgency, the desire to be the first to witness the evidence. It’s a powerful picture of discipleship in action—the immediate, almost breathless response to the divine.

The Urgency of Witnessing

When we study these accounts, especially as we prepare for our own mission discussions or even just our weekly scripture study groups, we can see a pattern. The early disciples didn't wait for confirmation; they *ran*. They followed the evidence, even if they didn't yet understand the full implications. They were ready to move, ready to gather together, ready to bear witness.

This reminds me so much of our own journey as Latter-day Saints. We are constantly being called to run—to run to the temple, to run to the scriptures, to run to our covenants. Sometimes we feel like we’ve seen a glimpse of the Spirit’s power, a moment of deep understanding in a Book Club, or a powerful testimony shared by a companion, and we just want to run back to the source, back to the Savior.

The record emphasizes that the two disciples ran, but one—the other disciple—got there first, fell down, and saw the linen cloths. Peter arrived right after, and it was Peter who entered. Notice the sequence, the eagerness, and the eventual, necessary action. It’s a lesson in timing, in preparation, and in learning to wait for the right moment to act on the Spirit’s promptings.

Being Christlike in Our Discipleship

What does this mean for us today, as we serve as Internet missionaries, or as lifelong disciples in our own homes? It means cultivating that same blend of eagerness and reverence. We are called to be ready to act when the Spirit prompts us, but we must also be humble enough to wait for the Lord’s timing.

If you’re feeling that pull—that urge to *do* something, to share something, to learn more—don't let that energy dissipate. Channel it! Are you struggling to articulate a difficult doctrine? Maybe you need to practice your answers with Davee in an AI Investigator session. Are you feeling isolated in your study? Jump into a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces!

The Savior’s life, as depicted in this account, wasn't just about the miracle; it was about the *teachings* that followed. His message is still transforming billions, and His power is available to us right now. We have access to His words through the scriptures, and through the constant invitation to learn and share.

I encourage you this week to reflect on a time you felt the Spirit prompting you to act, but you hesitated. What held you back? Maybe the lesson is that the Spirit gives the prompt, but we must follow through with diligence. Let’s keep running toward the Savior, always.

If you enjoyed this reflection, please consider joining our next gathering! We're hosting a casual virtual fellowship this Thursday evening—a perfect time to discuss our latest readings from the Iron Rod authors. More details are in the sidebar!