The First Witness

Lingering Love, Living Hope

Scripture John 20:11–18

Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb, weeping. Peter and John had come and gone, but Mary stayed. She was heartbroken, confused, and grieving—but she did not walk away. She kept seeking. Her love compelled her to remain, even when hope seemed lost. Like the psalmist, her heart cried, “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning” (Psalm 130:6). Her faith had not yet found understanding, but it held on.

Looking into the tomb, Mary saw two angels, one seated at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus had lain. This powerful image echoes the cherubim on either side of the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:17–22). Once a year, the high priest sprinkled blood there to atone for the sins of the people. Now, through Jesus’ sacrifice, the place of death had become the place of mercy. Still, Mary could not yet see what God was revealing.

She was so consumed by her loss that she did not recognize the angels or even Jesus Himself. When He asked, “Woman, why are you crying?” she assumed He was the gardener. But then Jesus called her by name—“Mary”—and everything changed. She turned, recognized Him, and cried out with joy, “Rabboni!” (Teacher). Her grief turned to joy, and her seeking faith was met with revelation.

Jesus chose Mary, not Peter or John, to be the first witness of the resurrection. She was the first to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18). He honored her perseverance, her longing, and her love.

This is faith seeking understanding. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Even when we don’t understand, even when we grieve, Jesus meets us, calls us by name, and sends us to share the good news.

Prayer: Risen Lord, thank You for calling me by name. Help me to seek You with all my heart. Turn my sorrow into joy, and send me with the good news that You are alive. Amen.