SUMMARY
The first resurrection appearance in the Gospel of John is JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More meeting Mary MagdaleneFollower of Jesus and among the first to reach Jesus' tomb on Easter. More in the garden.
ANALYSIS
Only in John is Jesus buried in a garden and so the resurrection of Jesus in John takes place in a garden. The garden is unique to John and why Mary Magdalene first thinks Jesus is the gardener. The first resurrection appearance is to Mary, who comes to the tomb alone, unlike in the other Gospels. She also goes to the tomb empty handed, without spices to anointTo anoint is to pour oil, water, or other substances on a person's head in a ritual fashion. In the Old Testament the prophet Samuel anointed David; and in Luke's gospel Jesus declared that he was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to... More Jesus’ body as he has already been anointed for burial by NicodemusThe Jewish leader to whom Jesus spoke about being born anew. More and Joseph of Arimathea. She visits the tomb simply to visit the grave of her loved one – and finds it empty. That she weeps is mentioned four times in this passage and so no wonder she is unable to recognize Jesus. It is when he calls her by name that she realizes who he is. Just as Jesus knows his sheep by name (10:3) and as he called Lazarus by name to come out of the tomb, now Jesus calls Mary by name. Jesus’ instructions to Mary are important. He asks her to announce to the disciples his ascension, not his resurrection. Mary neither does what Jesus asks, nor does she announce the resurrection. Instead, she says, “I have seen the Lord!” In this revelation, Mary embodies a primary characteristic of discipleship in John – to witness to having seen Jesus and point to an encounter with Jesus.
