Sunday 04 April 2010
- Bible Book:
- John
"The other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed ... Jesus said to her, 'Mary!'... Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord'." (v.8, 16, 18)
Background
Like many resurrection stories this is one of unfoldingunderstanding, as if God is turning up a spiritual dimmer switch sothat illumination grows. It's Mary Magdalene who is the firstwitness on the scene but doesn't understand what's happened. John,"the disciple ... whom Jesus loved" sees the burial wrappings but"did not go in". It's left to Peter - the third person to see theburial clothes - to actually enter it. We are not told what Peter'sreaction or interpretation of events is. But as a result of Peterentering the tomb John follows him in, and 'believes'. Stage bystage the followers of Jesus are getting closer to the faith factof his resurrection.
The nature of this 'belief' is intriguing. Whether the carefullyleft head cloth has some deep symbolism or there's a flash ofrevelation at that point, we don't know and are not told. There'sno suggestion that the men see the angels that Mary will see whenshe next looks in. Certainly the rather tame outcome of returninghome doesn't suggest that they have quite 'got it' yet. But thisbewilderment has a ring of authenticity about it and is how faithoften develops. Why, given all that's happened to them, should thedisciples be expected to understand, fully and immediately?
The place of Mary Magdalene in the resurrection of Jesus placeswomen at the heart of the Christian story. She alone among thedisciples is weeping. She alone remains at the tomb. She alone seesthe angels. She explains what she thinks has happened, and it is toher the risen Jesus first appears.
Here, as in other resurrection stories, the risen Jesus is notimmediately recognised. Mary's mistaking him for the gardener isone of the powerful images of New Testament Christianity. Jesus'statement of her name "Mary" is electric. She is recognised, knownand valued. Mary is the first disciple of the resurrectedJesus.
To Ponder
How important is it to 'believe' in theresurrection? What are the parameters of 'belief' which areappropriate for Christian disciples?
How significant is it that Mary Magdalene is the'first disciple of the resurrected Jesus'?