John 20:1–2, 11–18 (NRSV)
Read John 20:1–2, 11–18 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 20Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. Verse 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
Verse 11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; Verse 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. Verse 13They 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." Verse 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Verse 15Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" 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." Verse 16Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Verse 17Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because 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.'" Verse 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Devotion
As a woman, Mary Magdalene was a “second class” citizen during her time. Her previous severe affliction by seven demons (Luke 8:2) may have led to further estrangement. However, Jesus healed her and welcomed her as one of his beloved friends and followers. Bravely, she was one of the women who kept vigil at the cross. Then, Mary Magdalene came to Christ’s tomb before sunrise on that First Easter. (See Matthew 28, Mark 16, and Luke 24 for additional women who accompanied Mary Magdalene.)
What love and sense of responsibility compelled the women to venture to the tomb? What risks did they take walking alone in darkness? What dangers did the women face as Jesus’ followers? Today, throughout the world, peril continues for many of Jesus’ followers. Christians who are marginalized take great risks when they venture out into their societies’ darkness to praise God and share the Good News.
Prayer
Dear Inclusive Lord, protect all who take risks to worship you and share your message of salvation. Give each of us the courage to speak boldly and compassionately in your name. Amen.