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John’s Gospel records that only Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb early on that Resurrection morning. Some scholars feel this contradicts the other Gospels, which state that other women accompanied Mary. However, in John 20:2, Mary uses the word “we” as she tells Peter of what was seen at the tomb. Apparently John knew of the other women; he just didn’t feel it necessary to mention them since Mary was the central figure.
Peter and John visited the tomb and left, but Mary couldn’t. For her, the disappearance of Jesus’ body was still a mystery. As she stood outside sobbing, she peered into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there. In her grief, it didn’t register who or what they were. Her response to the angel’s inquiry indicates that she hadn’t grasped what had happened. She was sad because she thought Jesus’ body had been taken away. She had no comprehension that Jesus had risen. It is interesting that Jesus repeated the same question the angels had asked Mary. The angels and Jesus were both trying to help Mary understand what had actually happened. But she just couldn’t comprehend it until Jesus called her name. She knew the voice of Jesus and recognized him. Why did Jesus not want Mary to hold on to him? Perhaps he wanted her to realize that his physical presence was no longer so important. He would always be spiritually present with her through the Holy Spirit. What an amazing connection Mary was able to make to confirm that Jesus would always be with her and then she shared that new found joy! So happy that Mary Magdalene chose to share the story that Jesus was no longer in the tomb and that the story is still ours to share today!!! You too, can share the GOOD NEWS today! This Lenten Bible story is only told in the Young Children & Worship book. |
Mary Magdalene
Wondering Questions:
I wonder what it was like to be going to Jesus’ tomb that Sunday morning? I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus died? I wonder what it feels like when someone or something you love dies? I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus’ body was not in the tomb? I wonder what it was like to hear, “Jesus is alive. Jesus is risen”? I wonder how Mary knew this person was Jesus? I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus called her by name? I wonder what it felt like to tell others that Jesus is risen? I wonder how we can know that Jesus is alive? |
