John 20:18

Commentary on John 20:18 (NKJV)

“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.”

Context of John 20

John 20 narrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, central to the Christian faith. The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb (John 20:1–10) and progresses to her encounter with the risen Jesus (John 20:11–18). This chapter emphasises the fulfilment of Jesus’ promises regarding His resurrection, showcasing the victory of life over death and sin.

In verse 18, Mary Magdalene becomes the first to proclaim the risen Christ to the disciples. This passage underscores themes of personal revelation, divine calling, and the role of believers as witnesses to the truth of Christ’s resurrection.

Insights from John 20:18

The Role of Mary Magdalene:

Mary Magdalene exemplifies God’s grace and transformative power. Formerly afflicted by seven demons (Luke 8:2), she becomes the first witness to the risen Christ. Her encounter reflects the teaching of God’s sovereign choice in using unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Personal Encounter with Christ:

Mary’s proclamation stems from her personal encounter with Jesus. This mirrors the centrality of personal faith. Salvation is not simply intellectual assent but a transformative relationship with the risen Christ.

The Call to Witness:

Mary Magdalene’s declaration highlights the responsibility of believers to bear witness to the gospel. This aligns with the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, where every Christian is called to declare God’s works (1 Peter 2:9).

Assurance and Fulfilment:

By appearing first to Mary, Christ assures His followers of the truth of His resurrection. Christian theology emphasises the reliability of God’s promises. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope, affirming Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

Theological Application to Modern Christian Living

Witnessing as a Privilege and Duty:

In modern Christian life, John 20:18 calls believers to actively share the gospel. This could involve personal testimony, evangelism, or serving as Christ’s ambassadors in daily interactions (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Equality in God’s Kingdom:

Mary Magdalene’s role as the first to proclaim the resurrection reflects God’s inclusivity. This challenges modern believers to value the diverse ways God works through His people.

Finding Assurance in Christ:

In a world filled with uncertainty, the resurrection of Jesus provides unshakable hope. Christians are encouraged to anchor their lives on Christ’s victory, looking forward to the eternal life promised through Him.

Faith Grounded in Experience and Scripture:

Mary’s personal experience with Jesus reminds believers of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer and the Word. This balance between personal faith and scriptural truth resonates deeply in Christian thought.