John 20:1-2 1Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
The account of Jesus makes a significant shift with this chapter, as with all the Gospels. It was the first day of the week, after the Sabbath had finished and the night had passed. The first day was significant because it marked a new beginning and the dawning of a new creationJesus died on Friday afternoon. All day Saturday he remained in the tomb. Sunday morning was the third day, though time-wise, it was less than forty-eight hours. The women went to the tomb as soon as they reasonably could when it was light enough.
John mentions only Mary Magdalene by name, but other women were present with her according to the plural we in verse 2. John does not name them, though the other Gospels give different names to the group: Matthew 28:1 gives Mary Magdalene and the other Mary; Mark 16:1 gives Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome; and Luke 24:10 gives Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and others who were with them. John’s focus was on Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned in all four Gospels as present at the tomb. When the group of women, with Mary Magdalene apparently in the lead, arrived, they found the tomb empty and the stone rolled away. God chose one whom the world would outcast and put low in priority and social standing to be the first to witness the resurrection.
It was a serious crime, even punishable by death, to rob a grave or take a body. This situaiton was beyond Mary’s understanding, so she went to seek help. John continues the story quickly by transitioning to Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved, who has been identified traditionally as John, son of Zebedee. Mary’s exclamation in verse 2 indicates her fear. The referent to they is unstated. Mary did not know who took Jesus’ body or where they took it. She may have feared someone like the Jewish authorities, who may have transferred the body to be buried in a disgraceful way rather than honoring it by keeping it in a new tomb. Mary’s faith, even though shattered, shines bright with her designation of Jesus as Lord. This was more than a polite “Sir” but a sign of deep respect, honor, and even worship. She had been listening closely to what Jesus had said about himself.
The events that morning were happening quickly. Faith preceded understanding, but the faith was confused by the apparent facts. What we see is not always the way things are. Mary interpreted the empty tomb as someone stealing Jesus’ body. Her physical eyes needed her spiritual eyes to correct them so she could interpret what she saw in the right way. Faith is needed by all who come to Jesus to see that his promises and the stories about him are true.
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