Podcast Summary: “John Saw and Believed”

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: April 7, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Sinclair B. Ferguson reflects on the pivotal moment when the Apostle John saw the empty tomb and believed in Jesus’ resurrection. Ferguson explores the significance of the evidence left in the tomb, particularly the folded face cloth, and how such details can deepen our faith. The episode encourages listeners to recognize the “footprints and fingerprints” of the risen Christ in their own lives—reminding us that faith often transcends what we see.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Visit to the Garden Tomb

[00:08-02:10]

• Sinclair revisits the story of Peter and John rushing to Jesus’ tomb after Mary Magdalene’s report that the body was missing.
• John, emphasizing the human detail, notes he outran Peter to the tomb, but Peter was the first to go in.
• Both see the linen cloths lying there, but Peter notices “the face cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.”

2. The Details of the Grave Cloths

[02:10-03:30]

• Ferguson highlights the significance of the grave cloths:
  • “It doesn't make any sense to unwrap a corpse if you're stealing it… But the neatly folded away face cloth, that could only mean one thing.” ([03:00])
• The folded face cloth is a crucial detail, implying intentionality and order, not the chaos of theft.

3. John’s Moment of Belief

[03:30-04:20]

• John had previously seen the grave clothes, but only believes after noticing the face cloth—this triggers understanding.
• Ferguson observes:
  • “Up to this point they hadn't fully understood the prophecies about Jesus. But now things were beginning to fall into place.” ([03:40])

4. Personal Touches and Familiarity

[04:20-05:20]

• Ferguson wonders if the way the cloth was folded could have been personally familiar—maybe something the disciples had seen Jesus do before:
  • “Had they seen Jesus lie down to sleep some nights and carefully fold up his neckcloth? Or… noticed how he took off the sweat cloth… carefully folded it up and put it in the same place every day?” ([04:45])
• Suggests that everyday habits can carry deep significance and recognition.

5. Ongoing Evidences of Christ’s Presence

[05:20-06:30]

• Jesus’ deliberate actions in the tomb leave “evidence behind that he was risen from the dead and was alive.”
• Ferguson relates this to present-day life:
  • “Sometimes he leaves other evidence of his risen presence, doesn't he? The circumstances and events into which he sovereignly brings us… that seem to say to us, Jesus has been here before you, and he has left these evidences that he's at work in your life…” ([05:35])

6. The Encouragement to Walk by Faith

[06:30-End]

• Even if we have not seen what John saw, we are still offered evidences of Christ’s presence in our lives.
• Ferguson closes with hope:
  • “Perhaps for us, too, there is much in life and in scripture that we don't yet fully understand. But like John, we'll discover more and more that Christ has risen and plans to make Himself known to us and to lead us into the future. And that's the very good news of the Gospel.” ([06:45])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It doesn't make any sense to unwrap a corpse if you're stealing it… But the neatly folded away face cloth, that could only mean one thing.” — Sinclair B. Ferguson ([03:00])
• “Had they seen Jesus lie down to sleep some nights and carefully fold up his neckcloth? Or… noticed how he took off the sweat cloth… carefully folded it up and put it in the same place every day?” — Sinclair B. Ferguson ([04:45])
• “Jesus has been here before you, and he has left these evidences that he's at work in your life…” — Sinclair B. Ferguson ([05:35])
• “Perhaps for us, too, there is much in life and in scripture that we don't yet fully understand. But like John, we'll discover more and more that Christ has risen and plans to make Himself known to us…” — Sinclair B. Ferguson ([06:45])

Important Timestamps

• 00:08: Introduction: The disciples run to the tomb
• 02:10: The significance of the grave cloths
• 03:30: John’s transition from seeing to believing
• 04:45: The familiarity of Jesus’ habits
• 05:35: Contemporary evidence of Christ’s risen presence
• 06:45: Encouragement toward faith and hope in the resurrection

Tone and Style

Ferguson’s tone is thoughtful, reflective, and gently encouraging, offering theological insight in an accessible manner. The devotional nature of the podcast is evident, gently guiding listeners from Biblical narrative to personal application.

This summary should provide anyone—whether they’ve listened to the episode or not—a clear and comprehensive understanding of its message and key moments.