Who of these was first on the scene after resurrection of Christ?

In John 20:1, we discover Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the empty tomb and, significantly, the first to encounter the resurrected Christ. Who would have thought that a woman—a former outcast—would be the bearer of such monumental news? In a time when women’s testimonies held little legal weight, Mary’s role highlights the subversive and radical nature of Jesus’ ministry. It breaks social norms and forms this beautiful upward arc to highlight how values shift in the Kingdom of God.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: Mary’s privilege to witness the resurrection parallels a number of biblical narratives where God chose the unlikely hero or herald, weaving an overarching theme of divine reversal. Think of David, the overlooked shepherd boy chosen as king, or Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, mentioned in Matthew's lineage of Jesus.

Moreover, the mention of Magdalene sparks numerous interpretations; from "magdalene" referring to “tower,” imbuing her with strength, to various fascinated comments about her being confused with Mary of Bethany. Still, Mary Magdalene represents hope in a world shattered by grief, embodying faithfulness as she races to share the impractical message, “He is risen!”

Twin that hope with the profound challenge not just to accept the resurrection but to embrace the transformative power it offers to a world in profound need of renewal—and we're engaging with the heart of the gospel message.