Mary

John 20:11–18

Read Scripture

To be remembered for all time and inseparably connected with His glorious resurrection was His appearing to Mary Magdalene. She was overcome with grief at the death of her beloved Savior and inconsolably distraught with the disappearance of His body that she had come to care for. We marvel at the ultimate victory over all the opposition of His mortal ministry and over death itself. The risen Son of God appears to this precious soul calling her by name, “Mary.”

Many times we wonder if God knows we exist. The taunting question seems to mock us with feelings of our own insignificance. Surely God is busy with more important things. This account of the manifestations of Jesus’ tenderness, as He appears to Mary and calls her by name, invites us to embrace the reassurance that He knows our name and longs to comfort, teach, and strengthen us.

Thoughts from Angela Johnson

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.