The first appearance of Jesus following His resurrection is not intended to set a tone, but it does serve some pretty significant purposes. Almost everything is a surprise – not at all like we anticipate.
A lot happens during the Resurrection. We have earthquakes, soldiers, angels, conspiracies, mourning, crying. It is usually the angels that get all the press, and rightly so, since they get to announce one of the single greatest events in history.
But the main event, the reason for all of this is Jesus’ return from death. He came back, but He didn’t return to the Temple or make an appearance in the High Priest’s courtyard. He didn’t even let His disciples see Him at first. Rather, He meets with the women who ministered to Him during His life. Specifically, He has an interaction with Mary Magdalene before He sees His disciples.
John 20:11-18 begins our study on the Appearances of Jesus.. This meeting with Mary Magdalene in the garden is special. During this very brief conversation, Jesus reveals how much has changed because of His death and resurrection. Jesus came back to reveal the next phase of God’s plan. His appearances both fulfill His purpose and prepare His followers to change the world. Let’s take a look together at this first appearance.
The Text
John 20:11-18 (NASB)
11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And 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.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and *saw Jesus standing there, and 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 Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene *came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.
So What?
We will take a closer look at this passage and some of the others surrounding the Resurrection during Breakfast and Bible Study. What stands out to you, though, about Jesus’ words and actions to Mary? Why does John include this scene in his gospel? What do we need to know to carry the Resurrection of Jesus into our upcoming week?
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