By James R. Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical and Religious studies, Samford University
THE ULTIMATE SIGN
John 20:1–2, 11–18
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Today we celebrate John’s ultimate sign: Jesus is God’s Son, sent by the Father to reveal the Father to all. Those who believe receive eternal life.
Jesus’ tomb was empty. (1–2)
John’s account of the Resurrection is distinctive for several reasons. For example, in the four Gospels, Mary Magdalene is among the women who come to the tomb, but she comes alone in John, and her encounter with the risen Lord becomes a model for all who do not know Him until He calls them by name.
Moreover, in all four Gospels, the tomb is found empty early in the morning, but John is the only evangelist to say that Mary came “while it was still dark.” John is reminding his readers of the Gospel’s opening chapter: “That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it” (1:5). That echo of Genesis 1:1–3 praises Jesus as “the true Light,” brought forth on Day 1, “that gives light to everyone” (1:9).
As we have been learning in this series, John often contrasts the light of faith with the darkness of ignorance and unbelief (8:12, 11:9–10, 12:46). Now, at the hour of His glorification, Jesus is fully revealed as the Light that no darkness can overcome.
Mary does not know this yet. When she sees that the stone has been rolled aside, she reacts just as we expect from someone who witnessed the whip, the thorns, the nails and the spear. She thinks, not that Jesus is alive, but that someone has moved His body.
Jesus is alive. (11–16)
The disciples look inside to find the tomb and the grave clothes empty. They then return “to the place where they were staying.” They miss what Mary will see.
Mary has returned to the tomb, weeping, and when she finally peers inside it is no longer empty. Yes, Jesus is gone, but now two angels sit within.
In contrast to the other Gospels, rather than telling her of the Resurrection, they ask, “Woman, why are you crying?” The question is important, for with her answer, Mary reveals that she is ready for the joy of the Resurrection. The tomb is empty because the One who was dead is alive.
But Mary doesn’t recognize the risen Lord when He asks her the same question. Rather, she asks the Man she mistakes for the gardener where He has laid the body.
As the disciples in Emmaus know Jesus “in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35), so Mary knows Him when He says her name.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. They follow because they know His voice (10:3–5).
We must share the message of the resurrected Christ. (17–18)
As Jesus said during the Last Supper, He will leave to be with the Father (16:10) and to prepare a place for His followers (14:3). Jesus now calls them brothers, signaling a new, familial relationship. This means that we, His disciples in 2025, also call Him “Brother.”
Mary proclaimed Him alive on that Easter. This morning, let us join our voices to that first proclamation of the gospel.
The tomb is empty! We have seen the Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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