11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:11–18 (ESV)
All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from John.
John 20 records Jesus’ appearances to the following individuals: Mary Magdalene (vs. 1-18), the ten disciples (vs. 19-23), and to Thomas (vs. 24-29). “Once again John’s purpose in recording these resurrection appearances was to demonstrate that Jesus’ physical and bodily resurrection was the crowning proof that he truly is the Messiah and Son of God who laid down his life for his own (John 10:17–18; 15:13; cf. Rom. 1:4),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Following her, and the other women’s, initial encounter with the angels at Jesus’ empty tomb, Mary returned to the tomb after Peter and John returned to their homes (John 20:10). She was weeping and inconsolable.
The angels were still at the tomb. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” (John 20:13). Mary was unwilling to believe the Lord was alive.
“From John’s narrative, we know that after Mary saw the empty tomb, she left the grave site to inform the disciples (vv. 1–2). This means that John 20:11–18 records her second visit to the tomb, though John does not tell us specifically why she returned. Perhaps the most likely explanation is that she was investigating the mystery of where the body of Jesus had been placed, for that would explain the question she asks in verse 15,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Life is filled with pivotal moments. These are occasions and encounters we never forget or always remember. They forever change our lives. This was such a pivotal moment for Mary Magdalene. Mary turned away from the empty tomb and saw Jesus standing before her. However, she did not recognize it was the Lord. This may be because of her tears and grief. In other words, she was in total despair.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (John 20:15-16).
“The presence of the angels should have told Mary right away that something supernatural had occurred; however, she did not draw that conclusion. She continued to weep, prompting the angels to ask her why she was crying (John 20:13). In fact, the angels’ question was a gentle rebuke to her. She should not have been crying but rejoicing, for the reason the body of Jesus was gone and the angels were present was that God had raised His Son from the dead. But Mary was not yet able to grasp that fact,” continues Dr. Sproul.
“At that point, Mary turned and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognize Him at first (v. 14). He repeated the angels’ inquiry regarding the reason for her crying, but He also asked her whom she was seeking. Mary thought He was the gardener and was still thinking that someone had stolen the body of Jesus (v. 15). She would only realize that it was Jesus once He called her name (v. 16).”
Try to remember a pivotal moment in your walk with the Lord. When was it? Where was it? Who was with you at the time? Were you alone? Was it at church or at your home? Wherever, whenever and with whoever, such moments are life changing for the better. It was for Mary.
Soli deo Gloria!
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