The Faithful Witnesses: Women at the Empty Tomb
The dawn of the first day of the week following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ marked a pivotal moment in human history, though its significance was initially shrouded in the grief and despair of His closest followers. While His male disciples were scattered, hiding in fear, a small company of devoted women, their hearts heavy with sorrow, rose early to perform a final act of love and reverence for their beloved Lord. These women, often overlooked in their quiet faithfulness, were destined to become the first witnesses to the most glorious event ever to occur: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Their journey to the tomb, their astonishment at its emptiness, and their encounter with angelic messengers form a cornerstone of the Gospel narrative, powerfully affirming the truth of Christ's victory over death.
The Journey to the Tomb
As the Sabbath drew to a close, and the first rays of Sunday morning began to pierce the darkness, several women prepared to visit the sepulchre where Jesus' body had been laid. Their purpose was simple yet profound: to anoint His body with spices and ointments, a customary burial rite that had been hastily incomplete due to the approaching Sabbath. The Gospel accounts provide slightly varying lists of the women present, highlighting the collective devotion of these disciples. Matthew's Gospel mentions "Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary" (Matthew 28:1). Mark expands this, identifying "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome" (Mark 16:1), who bought sweet spices that they might come and anoint Him. Luke gives the most comprehensive list, stating, "It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles" (Luke 24:10). John's account focuses primarily on Mary Magdalene, who arrived first at the tomb (John 20:1).
Despite their different names, the unity of their purpose is clear. They were driven by love, courage, and a desire to honor their Master. They faced practical concerns, as Mark records their question among themselves: "Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" (Mark 16:3). This question reveals their understanding of the immense size of the stone sealing the tomb, a barrier they knew they could not move on their own. Yet, this obstacle did not deter them. Their love compelled them forward, trusting that somehow, their mission would be accomplished.
The Astonishing Discovery
Upon their arrival, the women were met with an astonishing sight that transcended all their expectations and fears about the stone. The stone, which had been so great, was already rolled away. Matthew describes a dramatic event preceding their arrival:
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
The Roman guards, stationed to secure the tomb, were utterly incapacitated by this divine intervention. The women, however, found the tomb open and empty. Mary Magdalene, realizing the body of Jesus was gone, immediately ran to inform Peter and John, crying out, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him" (John 20:2). Her initial reaction was one of confusion and distress, not yet grasping the miraculous truth.
The other women, venturing further into the tomb, found not the body of Jesus, but something far more incredible. Luke records:
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Mark's account mentions "a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment" (Mark 16:5). These angelic messengers provided the divine explanation for the empty tomb, transforming bewilderment into revelation.
The Angelic Proclamation: "He Is Risen!"
The angels' message was direct, powerful, and revolutionary. It was the first proclamation of the resurrection, delivered not to the powerful or the learned, but to these faithful women. The core of their message was simple yet profound:
The angels' words brought clarity amidst their confusion and transformed their sorrow into an inexpressible joy, though mixed with awe and fear. They had come to mourn a dead Master, but were leaving with the glorious news of a living Saviour.
Their Response and Commission
Overwhelmed by what they had seen and heard, the women departed quickly from the sepulchre. Mark notes their initial reaction: "And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid" (Mark 16:8). However, this fear was soon overcome by the urgency of the angelic command. Matthew records their immediate obedience:
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
As they ran to deliver the life-changing news, they encountered Jesus Himself. This is a profound detail, highlighting their unique privilege as the first to see the risen Lord:
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
This personal encounter with the resurrected Christ solidified their witness and confirmed the angels' message. Jesus reiterated the commission, empowering them to share the news with His "brethren," the very disciples who had abandoned Him in His hour of need.
The Disciples' Disbelief
The women's haste and earnestness in delivering the news were met with skepticism by the male disciples. Luke records the disheartening response:
And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Despite the women's credible testimony and the direct command from angels and Jesus Himself, the disciples struggled to accept such an extraordinary claim. This disbelief underscores the radical nature of the resurrection and the profound shift in understanding it required. It also highlights the faithfulness of the women, who persisted in their witness even when doubted.
However, the women's report did prompt some action. Peter, and then John, ran to the tomb to see for themselves, confirming the empty grave clothes, but not yet fully comprehending the resurrection itself (John 20:3-10). It was the women's initial courage and obedience that set in motion the events leading to the disciples' eventual belief and the spread of the Gospel.
Lessons from the Women at the Tomb
The narrative of the women at the empty tomb offers several profound lessons for believers:
- Faithfulness in Grief: Even in their deepest sorrow, these women remained faithful, choosing to serve and honor Jesus' body when others had fled. Their devotion led them to be the first recipients of the greatest news.
- Courage and Obedience: Despite fear and the daunting task of moving the stone, they pressed on. When commissioned by angels and Jesus, they obeyed, even knowing they might face ridicule.
- First Evangelists: In a culture where women's testimony was often not given legal weight, God chose women to be the primary witnesses and first messengers of the resurrection. This demonstrates God's disregard for human societal norms when choosing His instruments. They were the first to proclaim the core message of Christianity: "He is risen!"
- God's Revelation to the Humble: The Lord often reveals His greatest truths to those who are humble and devoted, rather than to the powerful or learned. The women, who were simply seeking to minister, were granted this immense privilege.
- The Reality of the Resurrection: The empty tomb, combined with the angelic testimony and Jesus' appearances, provides irrefutable proof of the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith. As 1 Corinthians 15:14 states, "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain."
Conclusion
The women at the empty tomb stand as enduring figures of faithfulness and courage in the Gospel narrative. Their unwavering devotion led them to the very place where sorrow was turned into everlasting joy, and death was swallowed up in victory. They were not merely passive observers but active participants in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, becoming the first witnesses to the resurrected Christ and the first to carry the glorious news to a doubting world. Their story reminds us that God often uses the humble and the dedicated to accomplish His greatest purposes, and that true love for Christ will always lead to discovery, commission, and proclamation.
Their legacy is a powerful testament to the truth of the resurrection and an encouragement to all believers to be steadfast in their faith, courageous in their witness, and eager to share the life-changing message of the risen Saviour.