Imagine the weight of despair as Mary Magdalene approaches the tomb in darkness, only to discover the stone rolled away. Her world is about to change forever!
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
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene sets out early, while it's still dark, to visit Jesus' tomb. To her shock, she finds the stone that sealed the tomb rolled away. Rushing back to tell Peter and the other disciple, she cries out that someone has taken Jesus' body.
The Race to the Tomb
Peter and the other disciple sprint to the tomb, with the other disciple arriving first but hesitating to go inside. When Peter arrives, he boldly enters and sees the linen cloths left behind, and the cloth that had covered Jesus' head neatly folded. This sight stirs something in the other disciple, who finally believes - though they still do not fully grasp the scriptures about Jesus rising from the dead.
Mary's Encounter
While the disciples return home, Mary lingers at the tomb in tears. Looking inside, she sees two angels who gently ask why she's crying. Mary explains her grief, still unaware that Jesus is standing right behind her. When Jesus calls her name, everything changes - she recognizes Him instantly and joyfully calls Him 'Rabboni,' or Teacher.
Jesus Sends His Disciples
Later that evening, the disciples are gathered in fear, hiding behind locked doors. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, greeting them with 'Peace be to you' and showing them His wounds. He empowers them, breathing the Holy Spirit into them and giving them the authority to forgive sins.
Doubting Thomas
Interestingly, Thomas, one of the twelve, was missing during this encounter. When he later hears the news, he's skeptical, insisting he won't believe unless he sees the marks of the nails himself. A week later, Jesus appears again, addressing Thomas directly and inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas, overcome, declares, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus responds, affirming the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.
The Purpose of This Account
The chapter concludes with John emphasizing that many other signs were performed by Jesus, but these particular accounts are written to inspire belief in Him as the Christ, the Son of God, granting eternal life through faith in His name.
Why It Matters
The Power of Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It transforms despair into hope, reminding us that death is not the end. Mary's encounter teaches us that in moments of sorrow, we can find profound joy when we recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Faith Over Doubt
Thomas's story resonates with many of us who struggle with doubt. It's okay to ask questions and seek reassurance; even the most devoted can have moments of uncertainty. Jesus meets us in our skepticism, inviting us to believe in what we cannot see.
Sharing the Good News
Mary Magdalene becomes the first evangelist, sharing the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples. Her faith prompts action, reminding us of the importance of sharing our faith journeys and encouraging others. If you're looking for a church community to explore and grow in faith, find a church near you using Sancta.
Embracing the Holy Spirit
Jesus' giving of the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples (and us) to live out our faith boldly. The same Spirit is available to us today, guiding and equipping us to share God's love.
Coming Up Next: John 21
As we move into John 21, the journey continues with a powerful encounter by the sea, where Jesus restores Peter and commissions him anew. Don't miss the next part of this transformative story!