John 20:18 – “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse records the moment when Mary Magdalene becomes the first person to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Earlier that morning, she had gone to the tomb, found it empty, and encountered the risen Jesus. After Jesus instructed her not to cling to Him but to go and tell the disciples, she obeyed.

Her words, “I have seen the Lord!” are filled with excitement and certainty. She was not reporting a vision or a feeling—she had physically seen Jesus, alive from the dead. This makes her the first witness of the resurrection, a key moment in Christian history.

Mary did not keep this experience to herself. She immediately went to share what she had seen and heard. This highlights an important truth: encountering Jesus leads to a desire to tell others.

Historical Context

Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus, mentioned multiple times in the Gospels. She had been freed from seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2) and had remained faithful to Him even at the crucifixion when many of His male disciples had fled.

In first-century Jewish society, women’s testimony was often considered unreliable in legal matters. Yet, God chose Mary, a woman, to be the first witness of the most important event in history—the resurrection of Jesus. This was a radical moment, demonstrating that God values and calls all people, regardless of status, to be part of His mission.

The disciples, still in mourning and fear after Jesus’ death, were in hiding. They had not yet fully understood that Jesus would rise from the dead, despite His repeated predictions. Mary’s announcement was unexpected and, as later verses show, not immediately believed by the disciples (Luke 24:11).

Theological Implications

This verse emphasizes several key theological truths:

1. Jesus is alive. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection. Mary’s testimony confirms that Jesus did not remain in the grave but was victorious over death.
2. The Gospel is meant to be shared. Mary’s immediate response to encountering Jesus was to tell others. The same is true for believers today—when we experience Jesus, we are called to share Him.
3. God calls ordinary people to be His witnesses. Mary was not a religious leader, a scholar, or someone with authority in society, yet she was chosen to deliver the most important news in history. This shows that God values obedience over status.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often highlights personal encounters with Jesus, and this verse fits that pattern. The phrase “I have seen the Lord!” echoes earlier moments in John where people declare faith after experiencing Jesus personally (e.g., John 1:41, where Andrew tells his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah”).

The structure of the verse is simple yet profound. Mary first makes a bold declaration—“I have seen the Lord!”—then she faithfully delivers Jesus’ message. The repetition of Jesus’ words shows that she is not adding her own interpretation but faithfully passing on His instruction.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:9-11 – The women, including Mary, tell the disciples about Jesus’ resurrection, but they do not immediately believe.
• Mark 16:9-10 – Jesus appears to Mary first, and she tells the disciples.
• Matthew 28:8-10 – The women leave the tomb with fear and joy to tell the disciples.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His followers that they will be His witnesses to the world.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 – Paul later recounts the resurrection appearances, affirming that Jesus was seen by many witnesses.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that the resurrection is not just a historical event—it is personal. Like Mary, every Christian who has encountered Jesus has a testimony to share.

It also challenges us to respond in obedience. Mary didn’t hesitate or question Jesus’ command; she went and told the disciples. In the same way, we should be quick to share the good news of Jesus with others.

Additionally, it speaks to the power of personal testimony. Mary’s message was not a theological argument but a simple declaration: “I have seen the Lord!” In the same way, our personal experience with Jesus is often the most powerful witness to those around us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this moment in several ways:

• He reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Mary was heartbroken at the empty tomb, but Jesus met her in her sorrow and revealed the truth.
• He entrusts ordinary people with His message. God could have chosen angels or religious leaders to spread the news of the resurrection, but He chose Mary. This shows that He delights in using those the world overlooks.
• He gives us a purpose. Mary’s grief turned into a mission—she was given the privilege of sharing the most incredible news ever. Likewise, God gives each believer a role in His kingdom.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse in multiple ways:

1. He is the risen Lord. Mary’s declaration, “I have seen the Lord!” affirms the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
2. He transforms grief into joy. Just moments before, Mary was weeping, believing Jesus was gone forever. But seeing Him changed everything.
3. He sends His followers on a mission. This moment foreshadows the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His followers to spread the Gospel to the world.

Jesus’ resurrection was not just a personal victory—it was the turning point in history. His appearance to Mary demonstrates His desire to reveal Himself to those who love Him and to send them out as witnesses.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus chose Mary to be the first witness of His resurrection?
2. What does Mary’s response teach us about how we should react to encountering Jesus?
3. How does this verse challenge you to share your faith with others?
4. Have you ever had a personal experience where Jesus revealed Himself to you in a powerful way? How did it change your life?
5. What can we learn from the fact that Mary’s testimony was initially met with doubt?

Mary’s declaration, “I have seen the Lord,” is one that every believer can echo. Because of the resurrection, we serve a living Savior—one who meets us in our brokenness, calls us by name, and sends us out to share the good news.