What does John 20:13 mean?
What is the meaning of John 20:13?

Woman

- The angels address Mary Magdalene simply as “Woman,” the same respectful form Jesus often used (John 2:4; John 19:26).

- Scripture repeatedly highlights that God entrusts key revelations to faithful women (Luke 24:10; Mark 16:9).

- Mary stands in the garden as an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection events, affirming Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman would overcome death.


Why are you weeping?

- The angels’ gentle question exposes the contrast between Mary’s sorrow and the joy of the resurrection already accomplished (Luke 24:5–6).

- Earlier, Jesus prepared His disciples for sorrow turning to joy (John 16:20-22). Mary is living the pivot point of that promise.

- Heaven does not dismiss grief; instead, it redirects it toward the risen hope (Revelation 5:5).


Because they have taken my Lord away

- Mary believes the tomb has been robbed, echoing the rumor the guards would later spread (Matthew 28:13-15).

- She calls Jesus “my Lord,” displaying personal faith and loyalty even when circumstances look hopeless (John 11:27).

- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had lovingly placed Jesus’ body in the tomb (John 19:38-42), yet Mary’s limited knowledge leads her to assume human interference.


I do not know where they have put Him.

- Mary’s confession of not knowing underscores genuine human limitation contrasted with God’s sovereign plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).

- Moments later Jesus Himself will satisfy her longing (John 20:14-16), proving that the Good Shepherd knows how to reveal Himself to His own (John 10:14).

- Her honest admission models a heart that seeks truth rather than settling for speculation (Psalm 25:4-5).


summary

John 20:13 captures the tension between earthly grief and heavenly victory. The angels’ respectful address, probing question, and Mary’s sincere but incomplete understanding together highlight that resurrection joy dawns precisely where human despair feels final. Mary’s devotion is honored, her sorrow is redirected, and her limited knowledge becomes the stage on which the risen Lord will soon appear, turning weeping into worship.

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