John 20:13

John 20:13 captures a poignant moment in the early morning of the resurrection. Mary Magdalene, having returned to the empty tomb after Peter and John had departed, encounters two angels. This verse records their initial question to her and her sorrowful reply, revealing her deep devotion to Jesus and her profound grief over His missing body.

Context

This verse follows Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb (John 20:1) and the subsequent visit by Peter and John (John 20:3-10). While the disciples left, perhaps perplexed but without immediate understanding, Mary remained at the tomb, weeping. Her intense sorrow led her to stoop down and look inside again, where she saw "two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain" (John 20:12). The angels' question in verse 13 is a direct response to her weeping, setting the stage for the miraculous revelation that follows.

Key Themes

• Profound Grief and Devotion: Mary's tears are a testament to her deep love and loyalty to Jesus. She is not merely mourning a lost friend, but "my Lord," indicating a personal and reverent relationship. Her sorrow is so overwhelming that she doesn't immediately recognize the angels or their significance.
• Misunderstanding and Unbelief: Mary's answer, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him," highlights her assumption that Jesus' body was stolen. Her distress underscores the initial human misunderstanding of the resurrection, even among those closest to Him. She is seeking a dead body, not a risen Savior.
• The Search for Jesus: Despite her confusion, Mary's primary desire is to find Jesus. This relentless search, even in despair, foreshadows the joy of His imminent appearance to her.

Linguistic Insights

• "Woman" (gynai): The Greek term used by the angels is a respectful form of address, not a dismissive one. It's the same term Jesus often used when addressing His mother or other women, indicating a standard, polite form of address rather than a harsh reprimand.
• "My Lord" (τὸν κύριόν μου - ton Kyrion mou): Mary's possessive declaration emphasizes her personal relationship with Jesus. It's a statement of deep allegiance and reverence, highlighting that her grief is intensely personal.

Related Scriptures

The angels' question echoes similar inquiries from divine messengers in other resurrection accounts, such as in Luke 24:5, where they ask the women, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" This common angelic theme underscores the incomprehensibility of the resurrection to those who had only known death. Mary's subsequent encounter with Jesus is detailed in John 20:16, where her sorrow turns to recognition and joy.

Practical Application

Mary's experience resonates with the human condition of grief and loss. Often, in our deepest sorrows, we may be so focused on what we perceive to be lost that we fail to see the greater reality or the divine presence around us. Mary's unwavering search for her Lord, even in her sorrow, serves as a powerful reminder of the blessing of diligently seeking God, even when circumstances are confusing or painful. Her story ultimately teaches us that even in moments of profound despair, Christ is near, ready to reveal Himself and turn our weeping into joy.