Luke 24:10 – “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”
Extended Explanation
This verse names the women who first discovered the empty tomb and shared the news of Jesus’ resurrection with the apostles. Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus who had been healed by Him (Luke 8:2), is mentioned first, likely because she played a leading role in this event. Joanna, who was also a follower and supporter of Jesus’ ministry, and Mary, the mother of James, are named along with “the others,” showing that a group of women were present.
These women were the first witnesses of the most important event in Christian history. Their task was not to explain everything or convince the apostles of the resurrection—just to share what they had seen and heard. This verse highlights the importance of their obedience and faithfulness to share the good news, even when it wasn’t fully understood by others.
Historical Context
In the culture of the time, women were often not seen as reliable witnesses in legal settings or matters of importance. This is significant because, by human standards, women might not have been the expected or ideal choice to deliver such a groundbreaking message. But God’s plan consistently goes beyond human expectations.
Mary Magdalene had a significant role throughout Jesus’ ministry. According to Luke 8:1-3, she and Joanna were among a group of women who supported Jesus and His disciples. Mary the mother of James is often identified as the mother of James the Less, one of the twelve apostles. Their close connection to Jesus’ ministry gave them firsthand knowledge of His life, teachings, and promises of resurrection.
This moment took place when Jesus’ followers were in deep mourning. The crucifixion had left the disciples afraid, confused, and without hope. The news of the empty tomb was the beginning of a dramatic shift in their understanding of what Jesus had been teaching all along.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a profound truth: God values all believers as messengers of His good news, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance. In a culture that often dismissed the testimony of women, God chose them as the first witnesses of the resurrection. This decision reflects His grace and the way He often works through the unexpected to accomplish His purposes.
It also points to the responsibility of believers to share what they know about Jesus, even when they don’t have all the answers. The women didn’t try to explain how the resurrection had happened—they simply shared what they had experienced. Their role as witnesses reminds us that God calls His people to testify to His truth with faith and obedience.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often highlights the role of marginalized individuals in God’s plan, and this verse is a perfect example. The inclusion of specific names like Mary Magdalene and Joanna gives the account credibility, as Luke was known for gathering eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1-4). By naming the women, Luke emphasizes that their role as witnesses was intentional and central to the resurrection story.
The phrase “told this to the apostles” is simple but significant. It marks the beginning of the proclamation of the resurrection. From this small group of women, the message of Jesus’ victory over death would eventually spread across the world.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 8:1-3 – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and others traveled with Jesus and supported His ministry.
- Matthew 28:7-8 – The women were instructed by the angel to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen.
- Mark 16:9-10 – Mary Magdalene went to tell those who had been with Jesus, but they did not believe her at first.
- John 20:18 – Mary Magdalene announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 – God often uses the weak or lowly to accomplish His purposes, so that His glory is revealed.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in sharing the gospel. The women who witnessed the empty tomb weren’t religious leaders or public speakers—they were ordinary followers of Jesus who had experienced something extraordinary. In the same way, God calls all believers to share their testimony, regardless of their status or perceived qualifications.
It also encourages Christians to be bold in sharing their faith, even when they face doubt or rejection. The women didn’t wait for the perfect moment or for the apostles to be ready to hear them. They simply told the truth. Christians today are called to share the hope of Jesus, trusting that God will work through their words and actions.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He includes ordinary people in His extraordinary plan. The fact that He chose these women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection shows His deep care and value for each person. His love is not limited by human standards of status or importance.
God’s love is also shown in the message itself. The resurrection is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity, providing a way for people to be reconciled to Him and experience eternal life. By giving the women the task of sharing this message, God demonstrates that His love is inclusive and available to all.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus’ role as the risen Savior and the fulfillment of His mission on earth. The women’s testimony about the empty tomb is the first step in proclaiming the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would have been a tragic ending, but with it, He is confirmed as the Son of God who conquered sin and death (Romans 4:25).
Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of faith and witness. He trained His followers to carry on His mission after His death, and this verse shows the beginning of that mission. The women’s obedience to share the good news reflects the call that Jesus would later give to all His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God chose women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection?
- How does this verse encourage you to share your own testimony about what Jesus has done in your life?
- What obstacles might you face when sharing the gospel, and how can you overcome them with faith?
- How does the fact that God uses ordinary people to share His message give you confidence in your role as a witness?
- In what ways can you be bold, like the women in this passage, in sharing the hope of Jesus with others?