John 20:1 – “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the moment when Mary Magdalene discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty. It was early in the morning, still dark, when she arrived. This detail shows her devotion—she was eager to be near Jesus, even in death. But instead of a sealed tomb, she found the stone rolled away.
The stone being removed was not so Jesus could leave—He had already risen. It was so that people, like Mary, could witness the evidence of His resurrection. This moment marked the beginning of the most significant event in Christian history: Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
Historical Context
Jesus had been crucified and buried just before the Sabbath. According to Jewish custom, work (including tending to a dead body) was prohibited on the Sabbath. That’s why Mary and other women waited until Sunday, the first day of the week, to go to the tomb with burial spices (Mark 16:1).
Tombs in Jesus’ time were often carved into rock, with a large stone sealing the entrance. The fact that the stone was moved was astonishing, as it would have been extremely heavy. Additionally, Roman guards had been placed at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66), making the removal of the stone even more remarkable.
Theological Implications
This verse sets the stage for the resurrection, which is the foundation of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:17). Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would have been just another execution. But because He rose from the dead, He proved that He is the Son of God and that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for the sins of the world.
It also highlights God’s power over death. Death, which entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12), is conquered by Christ’s resurrection. For believers, this means the hope of eternal life (John 11:25-26).
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel frequently uses light and darkness as symbols. Here, the mention of “while it was still dark” is both literal and symbolic. It reflects Mary’s emotional and spiritual state—she was grieving, unaware of the victory that had already taken place. This theme of moving from darkness to light mirrors what Jesus does in the lives of His followers (John 8:12).
John also writes in a way that draws attention to personal encounters with Jesus. Mary Magdalene is the first person recorded as witnessing the empty tomb, showing that Jesus values personal relationships, even with those society might overlook.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel tells the women, “He is not here; he has risen.”
- Luke 24:1-3 – Other women also find the stone rolled away.
- Mark 16:9 – Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene.
- John 11:25-26 – Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:20 – Christ is the “firstfruits” of those who have died, meaning His resurrection guarantees ours.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that no matter how hopeless things seem, God is at work. Mary went to the tomb expecting to mourn, but instead, she discovered hope. In the same way, God can transform our darkest moments into something glorious.
It also challenges us to seek Jesus with devotion, just as Mary did. She didn’t wait for daylight or for others to go first—she went early, eager to be near Him. We, too, should seek Him first (Matthew 6:33).
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed in the resurrection. The empty tomb is proof that He did not abandon humanity to sin and death. Instead, He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. Just as He rolled the stone away so Mary could see, He removes barriers between Himself and those who seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples that He would rise from the dead (Mark 9:31, John 2:19-22). The empty tomb fulfills His promise and proves that He is who He claimed to be.
- John 10:17-18 – Jesus said He had the authority to lay down His life and take it up again.
- Romans 6:9 – Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.
- Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the empty tomb?
- What does the empty tomb mean for your personal faith?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection impact how you live your life today?
- What areas of your life feel like they are in “darkness,” and how can the truth of Jesus’ victory bring hope?
- How can you share the message of the resurrection with others?
The empty tomb is not just an event in history—it’s a life-changing reality. Jesus is alive, and that changes everything.