It's Not a Race, John

"Then the other disciple also went in, The one who had arrived at the tomb first, And he saw and believed." // John 20:8

I have to admit, I can often read today’s Gospel with a touch of sarcasm and a twinge of annoyance. In the midst of the greatest story ever known the Gospel writer, who is commonly thought to be “the other disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2), appears more focused on a foot race than the miracle of the Resurrection itself.

We get it, John. You’re a fast runner and got to the tomb before Peter. Way to go. (For the record, Mary Magdalene arrived before both of you . . . .)

Isn’t it funny how the things that can irk us about others are often traits we have in ourselves? Just like John, I too long to be seen, to be recognized for my faithfulness. Not by the world, but by my Beloved, ironically, the One Who knows me most intimately and the One Whose attention and recognition I have unconditionally.

Jesus doesn’t keep a record of who arrived where first or how fast. Of all that is written in today’s Gospel, the details I imagine Christ cares most about are shared in the last line, “And he saw and believed” (John 20:8).

John’s belovedness didn’t hinge upon his mile time, nor did it depend upon how quickly he understood the magnitude of what he’d witnessed. He was beloved simply because of who he was and Whose he is. And so am I. And so are you, sister.

We can’t earn it and we can’t lose it, and that is far more of an accolade than any race could ever award.

We can’t earn it and we can’t lose it. // Sarah RoseClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion