John 20:2

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb," she said, "and we do not know where they have put Him!"

Study Bible

So she came running
The phrase "came running" indicates urgency and distress. In the Greek, the word used is "τρέχω" (trecho), which means to run or to hasten. This reflects Mary Magdalene's immediate reaction to the empty tomb, highlighting her deep concern and the importance of the event. In the cultural context of the time, it was unusual for a woman to run, especially in public, which underscores the gravity of the situation and her devotion to Jesus.

to Simon Peter
Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is often seen as a leader among the apostles. His name, "Peter," comes from the Greek "Πέτρος" (Petros), meaning rock, which signifies the foundational role he would play in the early church. By running to Peter, Mary acknowledges his leadership and seeks his guidance in this moment of crisis.

and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved
This phrase refers to John, the author of the Gospel, who humbly refers to himself as "the one Jesus loved." The Greek word for love here is "ἀγαπάω" (agapao), indicating a deep, selfless love. This highlights the special relationship between Jesus and John, and John's role as a witness to the resurrection. The phrase also emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus' relationships with His followers.

'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,'
Mary's statement reflects her initial misunderstanding of the resurrection. The Greek word for "taken" is "αἴρω" (airo), which can mean to lift up or carry away. Her assumption that Jesus' body was moved shows her lack of expectation for the resurrection, a common theme among the disciples at this point. This misunderstanding sets the stage for the revelation of the resurrection.

'and we do not know where they have put Him!'
The use of "we" suggests that Mary was not alone in her discovery, indicating the presence of other women as mentioned in the synoptic Gospels. The phrase "do not know" in Greek is "οὐκ οἴδαμεν" (ouk oidamen), expressing confusion and uncertainty. This highlights the human aspect of the resurrection narrative, as the disciples grapple with the miraculous event that defies their understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mary Magdalene
A devoted follower of Jesus who was the first to discover the empty tomb. Her role highlights the importance of women in the early Christian community.

2. Simon Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his leadership among the apostles and his passionate, albeit sometimes impulsive, nature.

3. The Other Disciple (John)
Often understood to be John, the beloved disciple, who had a special relationship with Jesus and provides a unique perspective in his Gospel.

4. The Empty Tomb
The site of Jesus' burial, which becomes the focal point of the resurrection account, symbolizing victory over death.

5. The Resurrection Morning
The event of discovering the empty tomb marks the beginning of the realization of Jesus' resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Teaching Points

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative
Mary Magdalene's role underscores the value and importance of women in the early church and in the proclamation of the Gospel.

The Importance of Witness
The testimony of the empty tomb is foundational to the Christian faith, encouraging believers to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection in their own lives.

Faith in Uncertainty
The initial confusion and lack of understanding about the empty tomb reflect the journey of faith, where believers are called to trust in God's promises even when circumstances are unclear.

Community in Seeking Christ
Mary’s immediate action to inform Peter and John highlights the importance of community and shared faith experiences in understanding and living out the Gospel.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The empty tomb is a fulfillment of Jesus' own predictions about His death and resurrection, reinforcing the reliability of His words and promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Mary Magdalene's reaction to the empty tomb challenge or inspire your own faith journey?

2. In what ways can the role of women in the resurrection account inform our understanding of gender roles in the church today?

3. How does the concept of witness, as seen in this passage, apply to your personal responsibility in sharing the Gospel?

4. What can we learn from the disciples' initial confusion and fear about the resurrection that applies to our own moments of doubt or uncertainty?

5. How does the resurrection account in John 20:2 connect with other biblical prophecies and promises, and how can this strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 24:1-12
This passage provides a parallel account of the women discovering the empty tomb, emphasizing the consistency of the resurrection account across the Gospels.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Paul’s summary of the Gospel includes the resurrection, affirming its centrality to Christian belief and its historical witness.

Mark 16:1-8
Another account of the women at the tomb, highlighting the initial fear and amazement at the resurrection.