The Journey of Belief: Gradual Revelation in John’s Faith

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith, signifying victory over sin and death. However, the understanding and belief in this transformative event were not immediate for the disciples, even for John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” In John 20:8, we read, “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” This verse captures a pivotal moment in John’s faith journey, where seeing the empty tomb and the neatly arranged graveclothes leads him to believe. Yet, this belief was a step in a larger process—a gradual revelation of the full significance of the resurrection.

John’s journey of belief offers profound insights into how faith develops. It begins with seeing, progresses to understanding, and culminates in the transformative realization of the risen Christ. This essay explores how John’s faith evolved in stages, reflecting a universal pattern of spiritual growth that resonates with believers today.

Stage One: Faith Through Physical Evidence

Seeing the Empty Tomb

John’s journey of belief begins with his arrival at the tomb. He reaches it before Peter but hesitates to enter, instead stooping to look inside. His initial observation of the linen clothes lying there piques his curiosity but does not yet lead to full understanding. When Peter enters and observes the graveclothes and the folded napkin, John follows him into the tomb. It is at this moment—when he sees the evidence firsthand—that he believes.

This belief, however, is rooted in the physical evidence of the empty tomb and the orderly arrangement of the graveclothes. The folded napkin is particularly significant, as it refutes the possibility of grave robbers and points to the deliberate nature of Jesus’ departure. For John, this tangible evidence sparks the first spark of faith.

Faith Rooted in Sight

John’s initial belief illustrates the importance of physical evidence in fostering faith, particularly in its early stages. For many, seeing tangible signs of God’s work serves as a foundation upon which deeper spiritual understanding is built. John’s reaction echoes the broader human tendency to rely on sight and experience to affirm what is otherwise difficult to comprehend. While faith ultimately transcends physical evidence, these moments of tangible confirmation play a vital role in the faith journey.

Stage Two: Faith Without Full Understanding

Believing Without Comprehending

Although John believes upon seeing the empty tomb, his understanding of the resurrection remains incomplete. John 20:9 explains, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” This verse reveals that John’s belief, while genuine, is still limited. He accepts that something extraordinary has occurred but has not yet connected this event to the prophecies and teachings of Scripture.

This stage of belief reflects the gradual nature of spiritual growth. Many believers experience moments of faith that are genuine but not yet fully formed. Understanding often lags behind belief, requiring time, reflection, and divine revelation to mature.

The Role of Divine Revelation

John’s incomplete understanding underscores the necessity of divine revelation in the journey of faith. While the empty tomb provides evidence, the full meaning of the resurrection is revealed later when Jesus appears to the disciples, explains the Scriptures, and breathes the Holy Spirit upon them (Luke 24:45, John 20:22). John’s belief at this stage is a stepping stone toward a deeper grasp of God’s redemptive plan.