Luke 24:10-12 (ESV)

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.         

The apostles don’t just disbelieve what the women said; they think it’s an idle tale. The NIV translates it as, “Their words seemed to them like nonsense.” This is insulting but typical of the treatment of women at that time. For example, in first century Rome the testimony of a woman was not admissible in a court of law.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/cfe_bibl.htm

But Peter, whose emotions have been crushed like nothing we can imagine, cracks. He doesn’t just go to the tomb, he ran to the tomb. He’s probably just as prejudiced as the rest of the apostles, but he’s so out of control with pain that he just takes off.

This is the Polaroid version of sanctification. He needs this desperately; the glance he got from Jesus as the rooster crowed is killing him. Grief can be tough enough without that kind of baggage. Peter is a confused, empty shell of a man as he flies down the road, around corners, up hills and finally, out of breath, arrives at the tomb.

Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. This doesn’t absolutely prove everything the women said, but it’s close – and Peter doesn’t have enough energy left to be cynical anyway. Now he believes. Now everything starts making sense, and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter (the rock) because he needed someone who would not be shaken by tough trials. Simon wasn’t that person. Major transformation was needed. This did the trick.

Peter has arrived.

Many Christians struggle with doubt. As painful as these struggles are, they can be very beneficial. Trials and tests of faith are there for a reason. God uses trials for the sanctification of His people.

So, we don’t need to pray for them, right?

God forbid! Pray that their eyes (and minds) will be opened. Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort them while also illuminating them. If you know someone who is struggling, pray specifically for them.

If it’s you, tell someone – so they can come alongside.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies