John 20:2 - Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”
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What does "John 20:2" mean?
This verse from John 20:2 is a crucial part of the resurrection narrative and reveals the initial reaction to the empty tomb. Let's break it down:
"Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved..." This refers to Mary Magdalene discovering the tomb was empty. The speed with which she ran highlights her distress and urgency. She immediately seeks out Peter (a prominent apostle and leader) and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved," who is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel.
"...and said to them, 'They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!'" This is the message Mary delivers. She assumes that the body of Jesus has been stolen or moved, rather than that he has been resurrected. Her statement "we don't know where they have laid him" expresses a feeling of loss, confusion, and perhaps even a sense of violation. The word "Lord" (Greek: kyrios) signifies her respect and reverence for Jesus.
Key implications and significance:
Evidence for the resurrection story: The verse lays the foundation for the subsequent investigation of the tomb by Peter and John. It highlights the initial disbelief and shock that even close followers of Jesus experienced when confronted with the empty tomb. The fact that they don't immediately assume resurrection lends credence to the story, as it suggests a more realistic and less pre-conceived narrative.
Mary's role: Mary Magdalene's role as the first witness to the empty tomb is significant. In that time, the testimony of women was often undervalued. The fact that she is the one who discovers the empty tomb and informs the apostles underscores her importance in the narrative and speaks to Jesus' high regard for women.
Initial reaction of disbelief and confusion: The verse is important because it shows that the disciples were not expecting a resurrection. This makes the later acceptance of Jesus' resurrection more powerful, as it was not based on wishful thinking, but rather on evidence and personal encounters with the risen Christ.
The importance of the missing body: The removal of the body is central to Mary's distress. She fears that the body of Jesus may have been dishonored or mistreated. It also creates a mystery that must be solved, prompting Peter and John to investigate.
In summary, John 20:2 is a foundational verse in the resurrection narrative. It showcases Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb, her immediate reaction of fear and confusion, and her prompt action in informing the disciples, which sets the stage for their own investigation and eventual belief in Jesus' resurrection. It also humanizes the disciples, showing that they initially struggled to understand the implications of the empty tomb.
John 20:2 - Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”
What does "John 20:2" mean?
This verse from John 20:2 is a crucial part of the resurrection narrative and reveals the initial reaction to the empty tomb. Let's break it down:
"Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved..." This refers to Mary Magdalene discovering the tomb was empty. The speed with which she ran highlights her distress and urgency. She immediately seeks out Peter (a prominent apostle and leader) and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved," who is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel.
"...and said to them, 'They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!'" This is the message Mary delivers. She assumes that the body of Jesus has been stolen or moved, rather than that he has been resurrected. Her statement "we don't know where they have laid him" expresses a feeling of loss, confusion, and perhaps even a sense of violation. The word "Lord" (Greek: kyrios) signifies her respect and reverence for Jesus.
Key implications and significance:
Evidence for the resurrection story: The verse lays the foundation for the subsequent investigation of the tomb by Peter and John. It highlights the initial disbelief and shock that even close followers of Jesus experienced when confronted with the empty tomb. The fact that they don't immediately assume resurrection lends credence to the story, as it suggests a more realistic and less pre-conceived narrative.
Mary's role: Mary Magdalene's role as the first witness to the empty tomb is significant. In that time, the testimony of women was often undervalued. The fact that she is the one who discovers the empty tomb and informs the apostles underscores her importance in the narrative and speaks to Jesus' high regard for women.
Initial reaction of disbelief and confusion: The verse is important because it shows that the disciples were not expecting a resurrection. This makes the later acceptance of Jesus' resurrection more powerful, as it was not based on wishful thinking, but rather on evidence and personal encounters with the risen Christ.
The importance of the missing body: The removal of the body is central to Mary's distress. She fears that the body of Jesus may have been dishonored or mistreated. It also creates a mystery that must be solved, prompting Peter and John to investigate.
In summary, John 20:2 is a foundational verse in the resurrection narrative. It showcases Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb, her immediate reaction of fear and confusion, and her prompt action in informing the disciples, which sets the stage for their own investigation and eventual belief in Jesus' resurrection. It also humanizes the disciples, showing that they initially struggled to understand the implications of the empty tomb.