Mary Magdalene, Empty Tomb, Encounter with Jesus, Grief to Joy, Recognizing Jesus, Hope in Christ, Gospel Witness, Easter Story, Jesus Calls by Name, Sharing the Gospel, Personal Relationship with Jesus, Faith and Hope, Women in the Bible, Jesus’ Victory over Death, New Life in Christ
"Rabboni!" — Mary Magdalene Recognizes the Risen Lord — In the half-light of dawn, sorrow melts into awe as Mary turns to see Jesus, risen and radiant. At the edge of the tomb, where angels once spoke, she hears her name — not as a mourner, but as a disciple called anew.
Encountering the Risen Savior: Mary Magdalene’s Story
From Grief to Joy at the Empty Tomb
The events of John 20:1-18 take place early on the first day of the week, following the Jewish Sabbath. In Jewish burial customs, bodies were wrapped in linen with spices, but because of the Sabbath, Jesus’ burial was rushed. Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, came to the tomb at dawn to complete the burial process. Women were not considered reliable witnesses in the first-century Jewish culture, yet the Gospel accounts highlight Mary as the first to witness the risen Christ, underscoring the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry.
In this passage, Mary Magdalene discovers the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb and assumes His body has been taken. She runs to inform Peter and John, who race to the tomb and find it empty, with the burial cloths neatly folded. After they leave, Mary remains, weeping. She encounters two angels who ask why she is crying. Turning around, she sees Jesus but does not recognize Him until He calls her by name. Overwhelmed with joy, she clings to Him, but Jesus instructs her to go and tell the disciples that He is ascending to the Father. Mary becomes the first witness and messenger of the resurrection.
John 20:15-16: “He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” These verses capture the moment of recognition. Mary’s grief blinds her to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection until He calls her by name. This personal encounter reveals the intimate relationship Jesus has with His followers. His voice transforms her despair into joy, showing that He knows and cares for each of us individually.
Mary’s journey mirrors the human experience of grief, confusion, and eventual hope. Her initial assumption that Jesus’ body was stolen reflects how we often misinterpret God’s work in our lives. Yet, Jesus meets her in her sorrow, calling her by name and revealing Himself as the risen Savior. This encounter reminds us that Jesus is alive and actively present in our lives, even when we fail to recognize Him.
The folded grave cloths symbolize order and intentionality, affirming that Jesus’ resurrection was not an accident but a divine plan. Mary’s role as the first witness challenges societal norms and highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel.
Seek Jesus in Your Grief: Like Mary, bring your pain and confusion to Jesus. He meets us in our brokenness and offers hope.
Listen for His Voice: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, allowing Jesus to speak to your heart. His voice brings clarity and peace.
Share the Good News: Mary was commissioned to tell the disciples about the resurrection. We, too, are called to share the hope of Christ with others.
How do I respond when I feel like God is absent or silent in my life?
In what ways has Jesus called me by name and revealed His presence to me?
How can I share the hope of the resurrection with those around me?
What steps can I take to deepen my relationship with Jesus and recognize His voice more clearly?
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for meeting us in our grief and calling us by name. Help us to recognize Your presence in our lives and to trust in the hope of Your resurrection. Give us the courage to share Your love and truth with others, just as Mary did. May we live each day in the joy and power of Your victory over death.
Amen.
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” —Psalm 30:5
This week, take time to reflect on how Jesus has brought hope into your life. Share your testimony with someone who needs encouragement, reminding them that the risen Savior is alive and at work today.
