What does John 20:9 mean?

Jesus often spoke about His death and resurrection, long before He was arrested and executed (John 2:19–22; Mark 9:31; Luke 18:33; 24:46). Looking back, modern readers often wonder why the disciples struggled to understand. They were likely dealing with resistance. They may have assumed Jesus is speaking in metaphor. Or, that His resurrection would involve a spectacular, earth-shaking display. In the moment, as Peter and John come to investigate an empty tomb (John 20:1–6), they are not mentally prepared to understand that Jesus is alive.

This comment comes as an explanation of John's reaction (John 20:7–8). When Peter went into the tomb, he noticed that the face cloth (John 11:44) in which Jesus was buried (John 19:40) was neatly folded in a separate place. That detail seems to have snapped John's mind to a certain idea: that it was Jesus, now alive, who put it there. Even now, it's likely John does not fully understand everything this implies. He and the other disciples will continue to huddle in fear (John 20:19). However, in some way, John's understanding was greatly helped by this evidence. He "believes."