Seeing is Believing (John 20:1-18)
“You’ve turned my mourning into dancing. Removed all my sackcloth and clothed me with joy!” – Martin Ball
“Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb.”
In John’s gospel, it is grief that brings Mary to the tomb. And in her grief, she discovers the stone is rolled away and Jesus is gone! Jesus’ body must have been stolen!
In her shock, Mary runs to tell Peter and the Beloved Disciple the news, so that these two men could come and verify her testimony, see for themselves that Jesus was missing, and certify her story, because who would believe a woman.
Fast forward as the scene returns to focus on Mary.
In her grief, Mary’s tears began to flow, and she had to have one more look inside the tomb. And when she did, she saw two angels sitting at either end of the stone slab where Jesus should have been. Did you notice that the angels didn’t announce their usual greeting of “Do not fear”?
These heavenly visitors didn’t have to tell Mary not to be afraid. Their presence apparently didn’t even phase her. Her mind was focused on locating the body of her Lord. The two angels even had a conversation with her about what was troubling her.
When Mary turned to leave, a man whom she supposed to be the gardener inquired about the purpose of her visit. Mary did not answer, but instead made him an offer. “If you have taken Jesus away, tell me where he is, and I will go and get him.” What determination.
The supposed grounds keeper only had to say her name, and like a sheep responding to the voice of their shepherd, immediately Mary knew that the supposed grounds keeper was her Lord. Could resurrection be possible? Yes!
Jesus grants this honor, to be the first witness to his resurrection to a woman, and in doing so, she becomes “the apostle to the apostles.” This is a big deal! But we are used to Jesus turning things upside down, especially cultural norms.
Mary has seen the risen Christ, and Mary has been authorized to proclaim, dare I say to preach, the “Good News” of Jesus’s resurrection. Jesus had been raised. His body had not been stolen. Jesus had been raised. Mary would share this good news, telling the disciples that she had seen the Lord.
Jesus makes himself known to us also, through God’s Holy Word, through the compassion and kindness of others, and through the love of family and friends.
We remember that Jesus made himself known by the giving of his body and the shedding of his blood. But on Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and like Mary, we have good news to share with others.
“Christ is Risen!” “Christ is Risen, Indeed!”
Bishop Phyllis Blair Milton
