The Passion and the Resurrection · John 20
Mary Magdalene in the Garden
On the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it is still dark, Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb: the stone has been taken away. She runs to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved: “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.” The two men run; the other disciple gets there first, but Peter goes in first and sees the linen clothes and the napkin folded up by itself. They go back home; Mary stays outside, weeping. Stooping down to look into the tomb, she sees two angels in white. Then she turns around and sees Jesus without recognizing him: she takes him for the gardener. He speaks her name: “Mary!” “Rabboni!” He sends her to tell his brothers that he is ascending to his Father and their Father. Mary announces to the disciples that she has seen the Lord.
What happens
- Mary finds the stone taken away and runs to tell Peter John 20:1–2
- Peter goes in first: the linen clothes, the napkin folded by itself John 20:6–8
- Mary weeps by the tomb and sees two angels John 20:11–13
- She takes Jesus for the gardener John 20:14–15
- “Mary!” “Rabboni!” John 20:16
- Jesus sends her to his brothers; she announces that she has seen the Lord John 20:17–18
Who is in this story
The lesson
The risen Lord comes to meet those who weep and makes himself known by calling them by name. Mary, who came looking for a dead man, becomes the messenger of his resurrection to the disciples.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Quick quiz on this story
Whom does Mary Magdalene first take Jesus to be, in front of the tomb?
Mary, “supposing him to be the gardener,” says to him, “Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” John 20:14–15
What makes Mary recognize Jesus?
Jesus says to her, “Mary.” She turns and says to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni,” which is to say, “Master.” John 20:16
Why does Jesus tell Mary, “Touch me not”?
Jesus explains, “I am not yet ascended to my Father.” Then he sends her to tell his brothers that he ascends to “my Father, and your Father.” John 20:17
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