The event of the women visiting the tomb of Jesus is a significant moment in the Gospel narratives, marking the discovery of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18. Each account provides unique details, yet they collectively affirm the central truth of the resurrection.

Context and Background

Following the crucifixion of Jesus, His body was laid in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. The Sabbath was approaching, and according to Jewish customs, the women could not anoint the body until after the Sabbath had ended. The women who followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, prepared spices and ointments to anoint His body (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55-56).

The Visit to the Tomb

The Gospels describe the women visiting the tomb early on the first day of the week, at dawn. Matthew 28:1 states, "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb." Their purpose was to complete the burial rites that had been interrupted by the Sabbath.

The Angelic Encounter

Upon arrival, the women encountered an extraordinary scene. Matthew records a great earthquake and an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, rolling back the stone, and sitting on it. The angel's appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was white as snow (Matthew 28:2-3). The guards trembled and became like dead men (Matthew 28:4).

In Mark's account, the women were concerned about who would roll away the stone for them, but upon arrival, they found it already rolled away (Mark 16:3-4). Inside the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe, who told them, "Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him" (Mark 16:6).

The Message of the Resurrection

The angelic message was consistent across the accounts: Jesus had risen from the dead. In Luke 24:5-6 , the angels asked, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" This proclamation was the first announcement of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

The Reaction of the Women

The women were initially filled with fear and astonishment. Matthew 28:8 notes, "So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples." Mark 16:8 describes them as trembling and bewildered, initially saying nothing to anyone because they were afraid.

The Appearance of Jesus

In John's Gospel, Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ is highlighted. After reporting the empty tomb to Peter and John, she remained weeping outside the tomb. Jesus appeared to her, though she did not recognize Him at first. When He called her by name, she turned and exclaimed, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher) (John 20:16).

Significance

The visit of the women to the tomb is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narratives, underscoring the reality of the resurrection. The faithful devotion of these women, their role as the first witnesses to the resurrection, and their commission to share the news with the disciples highlight the transformative power of the resurrection and the inclusivity of the Gospel message.