What does Mary's reaction in John 20:2 teach about recognizing Jesus' resurrection? Setting the Scene “So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him!’” (John 20:2) Mary’s Immediate Response • Urgent: “came running”—her devotion moves her quickly. • Honest confusion: assumes the body was taken. • Persistent faith: still calls Him “the Lord,” even while perplexed. What Her Reaction Reveals About Recognizing the Resurrection • Physical evidence alone isn’t enough – An empty tomb is clear, yet she still misunderstands (cf. John 20:13–15). • Prior expectations can cloud biblical promises – Jesus had foretold His rising (John 2:19–22; Mark 8:31), but grief kept her from recalling them. • Relationship precedes revelation – Because she seeks Him, Jesus soon meets and names her (John 20:16). • God accommodates limited understanding – He lets her process confusion before unveiling the risen Christ, illustrating Psalm 103:13–14. • Faith addresses Him rightly even in doubt – Calling Him “Lord” echoes Romans 10:9: confession remains while sight lags. Lessons for Today • Measure circumstances by Scripture, not Scripture by circumstances. • Expect God to keep every promise, even when fulfillment defies experience (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • Bring questions and fears to fellow believers, as Mary did with Peter and John—community accelerates clarity (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Stay near the place of promise; perseverance positions us to encounter the living Christ (John 20:11). |
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