Topical Encyclopedia The weeping of Mary Magdalene is a poignant moment in the New Testament, illustrating her deep devotion to Jesus Christ and her profound grief at His crucifixion and burial. This event is primarily recorded in the Gospel of John, where Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ is detailed.Biblical Account In John 20:11-18, Mary Magdalene is depicted as standing outside the tomb of Jesus, weeping. Her tears are a testament to her love and loyalty to Jesus, whom she had followed and supported during His ministry. The Berean Standard Bible captures this moment: "But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb" (John 20:11). Mary's weeping is interrupted by the appearance of two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been. They ask her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" (John 20:13). Her response reveals her despair and confusion: "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I do not know where they have put Him" (John 20:13). Encounter with the Risen Christ As Mary turns away from the tomb, she encounters Jesus, though she does not recognize Him at first. Jesus also asks her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" (John 20:15). Mistaking Him for the gardener, Mary pleads for information about Jesus' whereabouts. It is only when Jesus addresses her by name, "Mary," that she recognizes Him and exclaims, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher) (John 20:16). This encounter is significant as it marks the first appearance of the resurrected Christ to a follower, highlighting Mary's important role as a witness to the resurrection. Jesus instructs her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God'" (John 20:17). Mary Magdalene then goes to the disciples with the news, declaring, "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20:18). Theological Significance Mary Magdalene's weeping and subsequent encounter with the risen Christ underscore several theological themes. Her tears reflect the human experience of loss and the deep sorrow that accompanies the death of a loved one. Yet, her encounter with Jesus transforms her mourning into joy, symbolizing the hope and victory over death that the resurrection brings to all believers. Furthermore, Mary's role as the first witness to the resurrection is a powerful testament to the value and dignity of women in the early Christian community. Her commission to announce the resurrection to the disciples positions her as an apostle to the apostles, entrusted with the foundational message of the Christian faith. Cultural and Historical Context Mary Magdalene is often identified as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). Her presence at the crucifixion and her role in the resurrection narrative highlight her as a devoted follower of Christ. In the cultural context of the time, her prominence in these accounts is notable, as women were not typically regarded as credible witnesses in legal or religious matters. The weeping of Mary Magdalene, therefore, not only reflects her personal devotion but also serves as a profound narrative of transformation, hope, and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message. Nave's Topical Index John 20:11But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher, Nave's Topical Index Library S. Mary Magdalene And While they Marvelled at That, Behold, Two Men Standing Above ... First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ... How the Appointment was Kept. Then Jesus, Crying Out with a Loud Voice, Father... John Chapter xx. 10-29. The Resurrection. Love and Life. It is Said Then in the Psalms, "I Laid Me Down and Slept, and Rose ... The Appearance to Mary. Resources Why is Jeremiah known as the weeping prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth? | GotQuestions.org What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Weeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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