Thoughts on the Gospel of John (205) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.
John 20:11–13

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (205)
Peter and John have gone home again after confirming that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. But Mary remains standing there. Where else could she go? She misses “her” Lord. And the thought that His body should suddenly have disappeared makes her extremely sad. Her whole thinking is focused on Jesus – that’s how much she valued and respected Him.

Again, Mary looks into the tomb. This time she doesn’t find the body of Jesus, but she sees two angels. Other biblical characters have reacted fearfully on meeting angels. But Mary is not at all frightened. She talks to them as if encountering angels is an everyday event. She is so preoccupied with the person to whom she owes her deliverance from the demons that the surprising encounter with the angels doesn’t make much of an impression on her. Her example makes it clear how a strong affection for Jesus Christ can free the heart from all fear.

Angels are messengers, sent by God for a task. Here they are supposed to help a weeping woman. Their question of “Why?” is meant to make Mary think, for still the thought hasn’t crossed her mind that Jesus might have risen. She continues to look for the deceased man in order to mourn Him. It is particularly moving that she calls Jesus “my Lord”.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Isaiah 8:1-22 · Acts 23:11-22