The Race TO The Tomb

Running has never been one of my gifts. God built me for pushing, which probably explains why I excelled in the realm of football. Growing up in Alabama and attending Gwin Elementary School in Hoover, I became well-acquainted with the game Capture the Flag. It was always the go-to activity during recess or P.E.

But to be honest, I was never a huge fan. Mainly because of how much running was involved—and the fastest kids always seemed to do the best. So naturally, I took on the role of guarding the flag. Thinking back on that game, I can’t help but wonder: how fast would I have run if the prize was something better than a flag—like a delicious treat? I guess I’ll never know.

All that talk about running got me thinking about a different kind of race—one found in John 20:1–9. It’s an unforgettable scene that ends not at a finish line, but at an empty tomb.

This passage recounts the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the first to discover the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. In shock, she runs to tell Simon Peter and John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” what she has seen.

Her message sets off one of the most remarkable races in history. Peter and John take off, running toward the tomb, desperate to see for themselves if what Mary said could possibly be true.

I can’t help but wonder about that race:

   •        Did Peter slow down a bit, burdened by the weight of his recent denial?

   •        Did the closeness between John and Jesus spark an urgency that made his steps lighter?

   •        When John wrote this gospel, did he smirk just a little, remembering he beat Peter to the tomb? Did he ever bring it up over dinner?

But when both men arrived, the race didn’t end in competition—it ended in awe. There it was: an empty tomb, the linen cloths lying neatly, and the face cloth that had been on Jesus, folded up in a place by itself.

Jesus was gone—but not stolen or misplaced. He had risen. And in that moment, everything changed. They saw, and they believed (John 20:9).

We may never physically run to an empty tomb, but we do have a race to run (Hebrews 12:1). It’s the race of faith. And while not all of us were built to run fast, all of us are called to run with endurance—to chase after Jesus with all our heart, soul, and strength.

The tomb is still empty. The victory is still real. And the same Jesus who rose from the grave is still calling us to follow Him—not to a flag or a fleeting reward—but to a life of purpose, hope, and eternal joy. 

So, tie up your shoes. Fix your eyes on Jesus. And keep running.

— Matt Jones