Who first saw Jesus after the resurrection? (Matthew 28:1-9 vs. John 20:14-16)

I. Overview of the Accounts

Matthew 28:1–9 and John 20:14–16 both depict early morning encounters with the resurrected Jesus, yet they appear to highlight different aspects of the same event. These passages convey that the first witnesses to the risen Christ were women who visited His tomb soon after the Sabbath. The question often arises: “Who exactly was the first person to see Him?” An in-depth examination reveals a coherent picture in which Mary Magdalene has a primary role, while other faithful women share the experience in slightly different ways and times.

II. Relevant Scriptural Passages

1. Matthew 28:1–9

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb… Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.”

This passage names Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (commonly understood as Mary the mother of James and Joseph, per Matthew 27:56) going together to the tomb. Matthew emphasizes their joint experience of meeting Jesus along the way after an angelic announcement.

2. John 20:14–16

“When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not recognize that it was Jesus. ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ Jesus asked. ‘Whom are you seeking?’ Thinking He was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”

John’s account focuses specifically on Mary Magdalene, who is distraught after finding the tomb empty. She initially mistakes Jesus for the gardener. Only when Jesus calls her by name does she recognize Him.

3. Corroborating References

In Mark 16:9 (though textual notes can arise), the summary statement indicates that Jesus “appeared first to Mary Magdalene.” The reference to Mary Magdalene in Mark aligns her as the earliest known witness.

III. Harmonizing the Accounts

1. Sequence of Events

• Early on the first day of the week, multiple women (including Mary Magdalene) approach the tomb (Matthew 28:1).

• The group sees the stone rolled away and hears the angelic announcement (Matthew 28:5–6).

• At some moment, Mary Magdalene departs quickly to report to Peter and John that the tomb is empty (John 20:2). The other women likely remain or depart shortly thereafter.

• Peter and John visit the tomb; Mary Magdalene also returns (John 20:6–11).

• Certain women (including Mary the mother of James) are greeted by the risen Jesus while traveling (Matthew 28:8–9).

• Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene, in her returned visit, encounters Jesus alone (John 20:14–16).

By piecing these steps together, the Gospels consistently affirm Mary Magdalene’s role as the first to interact personally and recognize the resurrected Jesus. The other women also see Him—though Matthew chooses to highlight that moment for them collectively, whereas John focuses on Mary’s individual encounter.

2. Why the Differences in Detail?

Each Gospel writer selects details that fit the theological and narrative emphasis. John’s Gospel often provides more intimate, personal perspectives (as seen in the heartfelt exchange between Jesus and Mary), while Matthew highlights the communal witness of multiple women. Rather than a contradiction, this indicates multiple attested streams of eyewitness testimony converging on the core truth: Jesus was indeed resurrected.

IV. The Historicity and Reliability of These Witnesses

1. Cultural Context

In the culture of first-century Judea, women’s testimonies were undervalued in legal settings. That the Gospels present women as the earliest witnesses to the resurrection is historically significant because such a detail would be unlikely if fabricated (as it did not serve to bolster a made-up story in that society).

2. Manuscript Evidence

Early manuscripts (such as Vaticanus and Sinaiticus) preserve these resurrection accounts with remarkable consistency. Textual scholars have confirmed the reliability of these passages through extensive comparison of existing manuscripts, underscoring the integrity of the testimony that women—especially Mary Magdalene—saw the risen Christ first.

3. Support from External Writings

• Early Church Fathers (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr) affirm the resurrection and reference the eyewitness accounts passed down to them.

• Notable secular mentions, like those by the Jewish historian Josephus (though not providing direct statements of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances), do confirm the crucifixion event and the remarkable following that persisted afterward.

• Archaeological and historical research continues to show that the Gospel writers accurately reflected Jewish burial customs and historical persons such as Pilate and Herod, giving further weight to their reporting of the resurrection narrative.

V. Common Questions and Concerns

1. “Doesn’t the Different Order Undermine Credibility?”

Variations in perspective are entirely expected in genuine eye-witness accounts. Minor shifts in the sequencing of detail point to authenticity rather than collusion. Each author emphasizes events in a way that fits their respective audience and theme without altering the fundamental fact that the tomb was empty and Christ appeared alive.

2. “Why Focus on Mary Magdalene?”

Mary Magdalene’s deep devotion is repeatedly noted in the Gospels. She is portrayed as one who followed Jesus closely and remained present at crucial moments (John 19:25). John’s focus on Mary may be understood as highlighting the deeply personal nature of the risen Lord’s relationship with His followers.

3. “What is the Theological Significance?”

The first appearance to Mary Magdalene underlines the profound grace extending to those society might overlook. It also showcases Jesus’s compassionate and personal approach. At the same time, Matthew underscores the corporate witness of multiple women, teaching that the resurrection was not a private event but a world-altering reality confirmed by numerous eyewitnesses.

VI. Conclusion

While some have raised questions about whether Matthew places Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” first, or whether John places Mary Magdalene individually first, the harmonious reading of Scripture shows Mary Magdalene encountering Jesus before anyone else recognized Him. The other women also see and worship Him, forming part of the interwoven testimony that unites the Gospels.

Taken together, these accounts convey a joyful truth affirmed by multiple witnesses: Jesus indeed rose from the dead and revealed Himself to His followers. The consistent witness of the Gospels, corroborated by outside historical details and manuscript evidence, powerfully supports that Mary Magdalene is presented as the first person to see the resurrected Christ.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” (John 20:16)

In these words lies the personal, transformative encounter that has anchored the faith of believers through the centuries.