Mark 16:10 – “She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.”
Extended Explanation
After Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus, her first response is to go and share the news with His followers. The disciples and others who had followed Jesus were mourning His death, overwhelmed with grief and loss. For them, the crucifixion was not just the death of a friend—they believed it was the end of their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah.
Mary’s decision to tell them shows her faith and obedience. Despite the disciples’ sadness and doubt, she carried out her role as the first witness to the resurrection. Her action teaches us that the resurrection is a message to be shared, especially with those who are grieving or doubting.
Historical Context
The disciples were in mourning because the events of the past few days had shattered their understanding of who Jesus was. They had expected Him to establish a physical kingdom, overthrow their oppressors, and bring political freedom to Israel. His death on the cross seemed to destroy those hopes. Mourning and weeping were natural reactions, as they believed they had lost not just a friend but their purpose and future.
In the first century, mourning practices were often public and expressive. People would weep openly, wear specific mourning clothes, and sometimes hire professional mourners to express the depth of their grief. In this emotional context, Mary’s announcement of the resurrection was a shock—one that would initially be met with disbelief, as recorded in the following verses (Mark 16:11).
Theological Implications
This verse highlights an important theological truth: the resurrection is the answer to grief and despair. The disciples were mourning because they believed death had won, but Mary’s news reveals that life has triumphed. The resurrection transforms sorrow into hope and death into life.
Mary’s role as a witness also emphasizes that the good news of the resurrection isn’t just for personal comfort—it’s meant to be shared. Even though she may have felt overwhelmed, she didn’t keep her encounter with the risen Christ to herself. Her obedience reflects the calling of all believers to share the hope we have in Jesus with others.
Theologically, this verse also shows that faith and doubt often coexist. The disciples, despite having followed Jesus closely, struggled to believe the news at first. This serves as a reminder that doubt doesn’t disqualify someone from faith; instead, it can be the starting point for deeper understanding and belief.
Literary Analysis
Mark 16:10 continues the theme of movement and urgency seen throughout the resurrection narrative. The action in this verse—Mary going to tell the disciples—mirrors the angel’s earlier instruction in Mark 16:7 to “go and tell.” Mark’s writing style often emphasizes action, creating a sense of immediacy and purpose.
The mention of mourning and weeping adds emotional depth to the story. It contrasts with the good news Mary is bringing, highlighting the dramatic shift from despair to hope. The narrative tension builds as the disciples’ initial disbelief sets the stage for their eventual encounter with the risen Jesus.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:18 – Mary Magdalene tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” after encountering Jesus.
- Luke 24:10-11 – The women report the resurrection to the disciples, but they do not believe them at first.
- Mark 16:7 – The angel’s instruction to go and tell the disciples, which Mary follows in this verse.
- Isaiah 61:1-3 – A prophecy about the Messiah bringing comfort to those who mourn, fulfilled in the resurrection.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – God is described as the one who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds today’s Christians that we are called to share the good news of Jesus with others, especially those who are hurting. Like Mary Magdalene, we may encounter people who are grieving, doubting, or feeling lost. The resurrection is the message of hope that can lift them out of despair and give them a new purpose.
It also encourages believers to persevere in sharing the gospel, even when people may be slow to believe or respond. The disciples initially struggled to accept Mary’s message, but they would later see Jesus for themselves and become bold witnesses of the resurrection. Similarly, we may not see immediate results when we share our faith, but God is at work even when we don’t see it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He sends Mary to the disciples in their time of mourning. He doesn’t leave them to sit in their grief and despair. Instead, He reaches out through a faithful witness to bring them the message of hope and life. This shows that God is compassionate and meets us in our moments of pain.
The resurrection itself is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. Jesus’ victory over death is God’s way of making eternal life available to all who believe in Him. By appearing to Mary and instructing her to share the news, God demonstrates His desire for everyone to hear and experience the hope that the resurrection brings.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly to Jesus as the risen Savior. Mary’s encounter with Jesus and her role as a witness reflect the power of His resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a victory for Himself—it was a victory for all humanity. By conquering death, He opened the way for eternal life and gave His followers a mission to share that message with the world.
The disciples’ mourning and doubt highlight the humanity of Jesus’ followers, but they also reveal the transformative power of the resurrection. When the disciples finally encounter the risen Jesus, their sorrow turns into joy, and their doubts turn into faith. This transformation shows that Jesus meets us where we are, but He doesn’t leave us there—He moves us from despair to hope.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Mary Magdalene was chosen to be the first to share the good news of the resurrection?
- How can you share the hope of Jesus’ resurrection with those who are grieving or feeling lost?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God brought hope into a situation that seemed hopeless?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of sharing your faith, even when others may doubt at first?
- How does knowing that Jesus has conquered death give you comfort in times of sorrow or uncertainty?