What does John 20:2 mean?

Explanation

John 20:2 speaks of the moment when Mary Magdalene discovers that the tomb of Jesus Christ is empty on the first day of the week, after his crucifixion.

She immediately leaves the tomb to inform Simon Peter and the other disciple, who is often understood to be John, the author of this gospel, and whom Jesus loved.

The phrase "whom Jesus loved" is a designation used several times in this Gospel to refer to the beloved disciple, who is characterized by a special relationship with Jesus.

Mary is distressed by the empty tomb, as she interprets it to mean that the body of Jesus has been taken away, and she expresses her concern to the disciples that she does not know where it has been laid.

The literal meaning conveys Mary's discovery and her reaction to inform the disciples, which sparks the further investigation into the resurrection.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written somewhere between 90 and 100 A.D.

It is one of the four canonical gospels and its narrative focuses on the life, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This particular verse occurs shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus, a time of confusion and mourning for his followers.

Jewish burial practices at the time involved placing the body in a tomb, which makes the absence of Jesus' body particularly alarming.

The reported discovery by a woman and not one of the male disciples is also notable, given that women in 1st-century Judea were not typically considered reliable witnesses in legal contexts.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse marks the beginning of the unfolding of the Resurrection narrative, which is central to Christian belief.

Different theological perspectives interpret this event differently.

Orthodox and Catholic traditions emphasize the mystery of Christ's bodily resurrection as a cornerstone of faith.

Protestant traditions also affirm the physical resurrection but may place greater emphasis on the personal faith relationship with Jesus that the empty tomb signifies.

Some liberal theologians might view the resurrection in metaphorical terms, as the triumph of Jesus' teachings over death.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to seek and share important truths, even when the circumstances are confusing or distressing. Mary Magdalene's willingness to run and tell the disciples can inspire Christians to be proactive in their faith communities when faced with uncertainty.

The verse also serves as a reminder that news that might initially appear troubling can lead to greater revelations and deeper understanding for those who seek answers with others of shared faith.

Cross-References

• John 20:18: "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her."
• Mark 16:9: "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils."
• Luke 24:10-11: "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.

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, of interest is the use of the term "κεκλεμμένον" (keklemmenon), which is translated as "taken away". This verb conveys a sense of theft or removal, indicating Mary's initial belief that the body has been stolen.

The phrase "οὐκ οἴδαμεν" (ouk oidamen), translated as "we know not," highlights a state of shared confusion and ignorance among Jesus' followers regarding His fate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the religious context, the resurrection of a deity or a heroic figure can be found in other ancient myths and religions, such as the Egyptian myth of Osiris or the Greek myth of Persephone, but the Christian narrative uniquely centers on the resurrection as a singular historical event that underpins the hope of eternal life for believers.

The empty tomb and its significance distinguish Christian faith from other ancient belief systems, where afterlife concepts do not hinge on a physical resurrection of a deity.

Scientific Perspectives

The resurrection account, and the empty tomb, enters into territory that is beyond the scope of direct scientific inquiry, as it is a historical event interpreted through the lens of faith.

Science can examine the conditions of ancient burial practices and the historical claims of the text, but it cannot empirically verify supernatural elements of the narrative.

Apologetic approaches may reference historical consistency and recorded testimonies, including the transformation of the disciples post-resurrection as a form of circumstantial evidence.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into John 20:2.

Some commentaries focus on Mary Magdalene's role as the first to witness the empty tomb and the importance of her testimony to the resurrection narrative. Others examine the social dynamics and the implications of women being the first evangelists of the resurrection.

The phrase, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," sparks discussion regarding the identity of this individual and his unique relationship with Christ.

Scholars also analyze the literary structure of John's resurrection account, noting the escalating revelation of the risen Christ, which begins with the empty tomb and culminates in personal encounters with Jesus.