Imagine waking up before dawn, your heart heavy with grief. This is where we find Mary Magdalene in John 20, setting the stage for one of the most extraordinary moments in human history - the resurrection of Jesus.
The Reading: John 20
World English Bible1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.
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2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”
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3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb.
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4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first.
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5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in.
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6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying,
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7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.
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8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed.
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9 For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
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10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.
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11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb,
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12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
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13 They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.”
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14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.
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15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
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16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!”
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17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
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18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
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19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
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20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
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21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
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22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!
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23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”
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24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came.
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25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
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26 After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the middle, and said, “Peace be to you.”
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27 Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”
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28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
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29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.”
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30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book;
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31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Empty Tomb
Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb where Jesus was laid, still shrouded in darkness. To her shock, she finds the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She rushes to tell Peter and another disciple, expressing her panic: someone has taken Jesus away!
The Disciples' Reaction
Peter and the other disciple sprint to the tomb, with the younger disciple reaching it first. He peers inside but hesitates to enter. Peter arrives and goes straight in, noticing the linen cloths lying there and the head cloth rolled up separately. The other disciple joins him, sees the same, and believes - even though they still don't grasp the full meaning of this event.
Mary Encounters Angels
While the disciples return home, Mary remains outside the tomb, grieving. She peers in and sees two angels who ask her why she's crying. She explains her sorrow over losing Jesus. Then, turning around, she encounters someone she thinks is the gardener - it's Jesus! He calls her by name, and in that moment, everything changes.
The Commission
Jesus tells Mary not to cling to him and instructs her to share the news of his resurrection with the disciples - a beautiful moment of trust and responsibility. Later that evening, Jesus appears to his disciples, who are locked away in fear. He offers them peace and shows them his wounds, confirming his identity. He empowers them with the Holy Spirit, granting them the ability to forgive sins.
Doubt and Belief
However, one disciple, Thomas, wasn't there and doubts the others' stories. When Jesus appears again a week later, he invites Thomas to touch his wounds, leading Thomas to proclaim his faith. Jesus reminds him - and us - that believing without seeing is truly blessed.
Why It Matters
The Power of Mary's Story
Mary Magdalene's encounter emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus in our lives, even when we feel lost. Her joy at discovering the risen Christ turned her mourning into a message of hope. It reminds us that our personal journeys are essential in sharing faith.
The Importance of Community
The disciples' fear and confusion resonate today. They were hiding, unsure of their next steps, much like many of us face uncertainty. Yet Jesus enters their locked space, showing that He meets us in our vulnerability. When we gather as a community - like in church - we find courage and comfort in faith, just as they did.
The Call to Believe
Thomas' story addresses our doubts. It's okay to question and seek answers, but ultimately, faith is about trust. Jesus' words to him challenge us to believe even when we can't see. If you're struggling with your faith journey, remember the comfort that Sancta offers - find a church near you to connect with others seeking understanding.
Living with Purpose
Finally, Jesus' commissioning of the disciples reminds us that our faith is not just for ourselves. We're called to share our experiences and the hope we find in Christ with others, just as Mary did. Each of us has a role in spreading this message.
Coming Up Next: John 21
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, John 21 reveals a powerful encounter by the Sea of Galilee. Join us as we explore how Jesus restores Peter and prepares his followers for what comes next.