Source Channel · retold from John 20:1–18
It is the first day of the week. Early in the morning, while it is still dark, Mary Magdalene sets out for the tomb. John tells what she experiences there.
The Stone Is Gone
“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.”
– John 20:1
She runs to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loves. She says: They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.
The two set off running. The other disciple is faster and arrives first. He stoops down, sees the linen cloths lying there, but does not go in.
Simon Peter comes after him and goes into the tomb. He sees the linen cloths and the napkin, not lying with the linen cloths, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple goes in too, sees, and believes. After that the disciples go back home.
Tears at the Tomb
Mary stays. She stands outside the tomb, weeping. As she weeps, she stoops down and looks in.
She sees two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body had lain. They ask: Woman, why weepest thou?
“Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.”
– John 20:13
A Name
When she has said this, she turns around. She sees Jesus standing there and does not know that it is Jesus. He asks: Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?
She thinks he is the gardener. She says: Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. Then he says just one word.
“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.”
– John 20:16
Jesus tells her: Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brethren and tell them: I ascend unto 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 unto her.”
– John 20:18
What This Has to Do with You Today
Mary comes in the dark, and at the tomb she weeps. She recognizes Jesus only when he says her name – and she turns around. Maybe this is exactly what you can take into your day: a morning can begin in darkness and still not end that way.
Never Alone Guide: When you seek peace →
Bible quotes: King James Version (public domain). This retelling stays with the Bible text and adds no events. Photos: Unsplash.
