What is the meaning of John 20:18? Mary Magdalene went • Mary leaves the garden tomb where the risen Jesus has just spoken to her, moving in swift obedience—much like the women who “hurried away from the tomb” in Matthew 28:8. • Her history as one freed from seven demons (Luke 8:2) highlights the transforming power of Christ for anyone who believes. • God’s choice of a woman as the first resurrection witness (see also Luke 24:10) underscores the factual integrity of the Gospel accounts; no first-century writer inventing a story would have done so. and announced to the disciples • She heads straight to the fearful band gathered behind closed doors (John 20:19), fulfilling the angel’s directive in Matthew 28:7. • Like the Samaritan woman who ran to her townspeople (John 4:28-29), Mary models that genuine encounter with Jesus overflows into testimony. • Her announcement is good news, echoing Isaiah 52:7—“How beautiful... are the feet of him who brings good news.” “I have seen the Lord!” • Personal, eyewitness certainty: Jesus’ promise in John 16:22 (“you will see Me again”) is now reality. • Calling Him “Lord” affirms His deity, a confession later echoed by Thomas in John 20:28. • This first resurrection proclamation lays the groundwork for the creed in 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 and the apostolic witness required in Acts 1:22. • The statement validates the core gospel truth that “if you confess... that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). And she told them what He had said to her • Mary faithfully relays Jesus’ words from John 20:17 about His imminent ascension—vital information for the disciples’ understanding. • Her example illustrates John 14:21: love for Christ shows itself in obedience and sharing His commands. • By passing on the message, she sets a pattern later formalized in 2 Timothy 2:2—truth received is truth entrusted to others. • Her report prepares the disciples for their own commissioning (Matthew 28:10, 16-20) and for the Spirit-empowered witness that will follow. summary John 20:18 records Mary’s immediate, joy-filled obedience after encountering the risen Jesus. She moves, speaks, and shares—combining her personal sight of the living Lord with His authoritative words. The verse underscores the literal resurrection, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the believer’s calling to proclaim Christ’s victory without delay. |
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