Peter, Judas, and the Empty Tomb: A Reflection for the Season

I’ve been so focused on getting ready for Passover that I forgot that Easter is coming next week. But a friend reminded me. So, along with reading the Passover account in Exodus, I began rereading the Easter account in John. As I did, I opened up my reference to the church fathers and found an amazing poem written by Gregory of Nazianus, who lived from 329–390 AD.

The Poem That Speaks Volumes

Be a Peter or a John.
Hasten to the sepulcher,
running together,
running against one another.
Vying in the Noble race
                and even if you are beaten in speed
                win the victory of showing who wants it more,
not just looking into the tomb
but going in.

Peter and Judas: A Tale of Two Responses

This poem left me speechless. It speaks for itself, doesn’t it? As I pondered the difference between looking into the tomb, versus just going in, I was reminded of something I learned as I reread the different Passover accounts in the Tenach, and the how Jesus (Yeshua) observed that last Passover with his disciples. I was struck by the differences between Peter and Judas.

They were both there when Jesus broke the bread and said, “take eat.” They were both there when, instead of washing His hands, Jesus washed His disciple’s feet. Judas made no protest, whereas Peter had to receive an explanation, and then yielded fully to Jesus washing his feet. But Jesus offered the “sop” to Judas, as though he were the most honored of guests. Jesus treated His betrayer with amazing respect and dignity.  And Judas received the sop and left – before the meal was eaten.

But it was Peter whom Jesus warned, Peter whom He cautioned. And when Jesus gave the cup, He wanted Peter to drink it as well, knowing that Peter would deny Him.

With those thoughts in mind, and after reading the poem by Gregory of Nazianus, my thoughts were drawn back to Passover and the Resurrection. I’ll be honest, I don’t think my musings compare with those written more than 1000 years ago, but I hope they encourage you as we give thanks for Jesus, our Passover Lamb, and the resurrection and the Life.

Meditation: From Blood to Hope

Not enough to eat unleavened,
Only a start.
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

Thousands of years later
The God-Man proclaimed, “This is my blood.”
All ate the bread, but not all drank.

A few days later
     or was it an eternity?
Two men race
on the words of a woman – already a sign of impending doom –
or dare they hope
                for joy?

Did they run believing
or in desperation?
Her words could not
be true – could they?
But her words burn in their hearts
                just like the words of another.
                His words too had burned – and still
                the sparks refuse to fade.
                A small flame is stirred.
                Will it catch fire and consume
                or flicker and fade, leaving them
                cold in the dark?

Like other miracles, nine stayed behind,
paralyzed by grief-numbed thoughts,
musing a violent death blood-smeared hope.
His kingdom come – not.

But two rise and race – heel to heel
One propelled by guilt, and the other strengthened by hope.

Hope arrives first but hesitates.
Guilt, with nothing more to lose, enters –
then as quickly exits – wailing.
Hope enters on tiptoe.
Whispers of joy stretch forth like a rope
binding guilt to its ties, guiding, bidding, return – look!

What is this pile of man-shaped cloths
laying deflated, as though – impossible – stepped out of
and left behind?!
What is that facecloth doing, deliberately tossed aside?
Where is
He?

Where does any sojourner go after a tumultuous journey?

Peace descends and two men walk “home”
To wait…

Closing Thoughts: Joy in the Risen Savior

Both Passover and Easter point to the ultimate sacrifice and victory of Yeshua – our Passover Lamb. Like Peter and John, let’s run toward Jesus with hope and faith, not hesitating to enter into His presence – even if it feels like we are entering a tomb of sorrow. For in truth, the empty tomb transforms guilt and despair into a cathedral of joy where death is conquered and new life begins.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

May this season fill us all with thanksgiving, hope, and unshakable joy as we celebrate our risen Savior and soon-coming king.