The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian faith, marking victory over sin and death. In John 20, we find a profound moment—Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find the stone rolled away. She runs to get Peter and the other disciple that Jesus loved. They return to the tomb together, investigate the scene, and Peter and the other disciple leave Mary there in her grief and confusion.
While at the tomb staring and fearful, Mary begins to weep. In that moment, Mary sees two angels inside the tomb. Then, turning around, she sees Jesus Himself—but does not recognize Him. Assuming he is the gardener, she asks him, “Do you know where they have taken him?” In that moment, Jesus calls her name, “Mary.” In that moment, her eyes are opened, and her sorrow turns to joy. For she recognizes Jesus standing before her.
Jesus commissions her, saying, “Go to my brothers and tell them…” making Mary Magdalene the first person to witness the risen Christ and the first to proclaim the Resurrection. In a time when a woman’s testimony held little value in society, Jesus honors her faithfulness and devotion. Again, Jesus is teaching even in death and resurrection that God’s message is not just to the rich and powerful, not to the empire of Rome alone, but to everyone who believes.
This account is more than history—it is deeply personal. Jesus meets Mary where she is in her pain, speaks her name, and entrusts her with the greatest message ever told. The empty tomb is not the end—it is the beginning of new life.
The Easter message is played out in our lives over and over again. As with Mary, the risen Jesus meets each of us in our darkest hours of life, calls us by name, and invites us to share in the hope and power of His Resurrection. We are not alone.
Christ is Risen, He is risen indeed!
-Pastor Todd