John 20:1–18 — The Empty Tomb and Mary Magdalene’s Encounter
Before we reflect, read the passage itself:
John 20:1–18 (NKJV)
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Then 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 do not know where they have laid Him.”
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.
So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,
and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.
For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.
Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.
And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” 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.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
Scripture Breakdown → Reflection
“While it was still dark…”
John marks the hour on purpose. The world’s darkest weekend gives way to the first light of a new creation. But Mary isn’t celebrating; she’s grieving. God often begins His greatest work while it still feels like night.
Peter and John run; John stops; Peter goes in.
Different personalities, same search. John observes first, Peter acts first. God receives both kinds of disciples. Inside, the details preach: linen cloths present, head cloth folded—this is order, not theft, completion not chaos. The King has left the grave like a room tidied after a finished stay.
“They saw and believed… yet did not understand the Scripture.”
Faith can ignite before full understanding catches up. Some of your obedience will precede your explanations. That’s not immaturity—that’s trust.
Mary stays
The men leave; Mary lingers. Love often waits longer than logic. Her tears keep her near enough to hear what others miss.
Angels ask, “Why are you weeping?”
Heaven questions our assumptions: Are you mourning what God has already moved? Are you clinging to yesterday’s loss while today’s victory stands behind you?
She “saw Jesus…and did not know that it was Jesus.”
Grief can blur recognition. But there’s more: after the resurrection, many did not recognize Him at first (Mary here; Emmaus, Luke 24; the shore, John 21). Why? Two reasons the text reveals:
God restrained recognition until revelation (Luke 24:16).
Jesus is risen in glory—the same Lord, now in glorified life (1 Cor. 15:42–44).
Recognition by Voice, not Sight
Mary thinks He’s the gardener—until He says her name: “Mary.” Then the veil lifts. Jesus wanted disciples who would know Him not by outward familiarity but by His voice and Word. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)
This is the pattern of all resurrection appearances: recognition by revelation, not merely by vision. The Christian life is not sustained by seeing His face but by trusting His voice.
“Do not cling to Me… go to My brethren.”
Mary wants to hold on to the moment; Jesus commissions her to carry the message. Resurrection is not a private comfort—it’s a public calling. Notice the tenderness: “to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.” His victory has made sonship our reality.
Application for Today
When it’s still dark: Keep walking toward the tomb. God often moves before you feel it.
When evidence is partial: If all you have are “folded linens,” believe anyway. Let faith outrun your full understanding.
When grief blurs your vision: Stay close enough to hear Him call your name. Expect recognition by the Word before recognition by sight.
When you want to cling: Worship, yes—but then go. Share what He’s spoken. Resurrection people carry resurrection news.
Prayer
Father, thank You that Jesus conquered death and still speaks my name.
When life feels dark, teach me to walk toward Your promises.
When I don’t understand, help me trust the evidence You’ve given.
Let me recognize Your voice above every other.
And send me—as You sent Mary—to tell the family of God what You have done.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Journal Prompts
Where has God already moved while I was still expecting the worst?
What “folded linen” evidence has He given me that I’ve overlooked?
How do I cultivate a life that recognizes His voice (Word, prayer, obedience) more than my sight (feelings, circumstances)?
Who needs me to carry a specific word of resurrection hope today?
