First Witness

Introduction: The Resurrection Changes Everything

John’s Gospel argues that the resurrection is not just a proof of Jesus' divinity but the inauguration of the new age. John’s Gospel is not merely recording events but unveiling redemptive history.

Reminder: Tell the story here of Peter and John leaving and Mary Weeping .. why would he choose Mary? .. Mary’s sin story …

This passage—Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance—is profound for several reasons:

The first witness is a woman—in a society where women’s testimony was considered unreliable.

Mary Magdalene initially mistakes Jesus for the gardener—which echoes the themes of new creation.

Jesus calls her by name, signifying the personal and relational nature of the resurrection.

She is commissioned as the first proclaimer of the risen Christ, prefiguring the mission of the Church.

I. (vv. 10-13) – Grieving Without Understanding

John 20:11-13 (NLT) Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. "Dear woman, why are you crying?" the angels asked her. "Because they have taken away my Lord," she replied, "and I don’t know where they have put him."

A. A Cultural and Historical Context of Mourning

After Peter and John examine the tomb and leave, Mary remains behind, weeping. This is not just quiet crying—the Greek word used here (κλαίω, klaió [klah-YO]) describes loud, lamenting wailing.

In first-century Jewish culture, mourning was a communal and highly emotional event. The dead were mourned for seven days, with professional mourners often hired. Yet here is Mary, weeping alone at an empty tomb, which was a significant departure from Jewish burial customs. This highlights her deep personal attachment to Jesus.

Luke 8:52-53 (NLT) The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, "Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died.

B. The Presence of Angels: A Biblical Pattern

Two angels appear, one at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus had been laid. This imagery is striking—it mirrors the Ark of the Covenant, where two cherubim sat on either side of the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-20).

C. The Ark of the Covenant: A Biblical View

(The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest built by the Israelites under God's instructions, as described in Exodus 25:10-22. It was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, measuring about 3.75 feet long, 2.25 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high. The lid, known as the mercy seat, was flanked by two cherubim facing each other, symbolizing God’s throne and His presence among His people.

Biblical Significance:

God’s Presence – The Ark represented God’s dwelling among Israel (Exodus 25:22). It was placed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Covenant and Law – It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4).

Atonement and Mercy – The mercy seat was where the high priest sprinkled blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15), symbolizing God’s forgiveness.

Christological Connection:

In John’s Gospel, the imagery of the Ark is seen in the empty tomb—where two angels sat at either end of where Jesus’ body had lain (John 20:12). This parallels the cherubim on the mercy seat, highlighting that Jesus is the ultimate atonement, fulfilling what the Ark represented.

This is John’s way of showing that the empty tomb is the new mercy seat—the place where atonement has been accomplished, where divine presence now dwells.

II. The Revelation of Jesus (vv. 14-16)

John 10:14-16 (NLT) “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”

A. The Gardener Mistake: A New Creation Motif

Mary turns and sees Jesus but does not recognize Him. She assumes He is the gardener. This is not accidental—John is deliberate in his imagery.

Scholars note that this scene echoes Genesis 2, where Adam, the first man, was placed in a garden. Now, in another garden, the second Adam has risen, inaugurating a new creation.

Quote: As Augustine wrote, “As death came through a woman in a garden, so life also came through a woman in a garden.”

B. Recognizing Jesus: The Power of a Personal Call

Jesus asks Mary the same question as the angels: “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” But she still does not recognize Him—until He calls her by name: “Mary.”

This moment is deeply personal and profound. John 10:3-4 tells us that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His sheep by name and they recognize His voice. This is a deeply relational act—naming is an act of knowing, of acknowledging one's identity. When Jesus says "Mary," He is not just addressing her; He is affirming that she is seen, known, and loved. Here, Jesus calls Mary by name, and in an instant, her grief turns to recognition, her despair to joy. In the same way, Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us into a relationship where we are fully known and never forgotten. Do You Know His voice?

Throughout history, Christians have sought to hear and discern God’s voice through time-tested practices. Mary’s journey of recognizing Jesus mirrors how believers can cultivate sensitivity to His presence today:

Practices to Hear from God:

1. Scripture Reading and Meditation – The Bible is God’s primary means of communication. As Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, NLT). Regular meditation on Scripture attunes our hearts to recognize His voice. As Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, NLT). Regular meditation on Scripture attunes our hearts to recognize His voice.

2. Prayer and Silence – Prayer is not just speaking to God but listening for His guidance. Silence and solitude allow space for His whisper, just as Elijah heard God in the "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12).

3.Community and Counsel – God often speaks through others. Mary’s journey led her to proclaim the risen Christ to the disciples, showing that revelation is meant to be shared.

4. Sacraments and Worship – Through communion, baptism, and corporate worship, believers experience God’s presence in tangible ways, reminding us of His ongoing nearness.

5. Obedience and Trust – Like Mary, recognizing Jesus requires faith. When we step out in obedience, even in uncertainty, we come to know His voice more clearly.

III. The Commission of Mary (vv. 17-18)

John 20:17-18 (NLT) “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

A. “Don’t Cling to Me” – A New Relationship

Mary immediately clings to Jesus, but He tells her, “Don’t cling to me, for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father.”

Jesus is not rejecting Mary—He is teaching her that their relationship has changed. She can no longer hold onto Him in the same earthly way. His resurrection is not a return to the old order, but the beginning of a new one.

B. The First Evangelist

Mary goes and tells the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She becomes the first witness to the resurrection, even though women’s testimony was considered unreliable in Jewish courts.

Illustration: Imagine being the first reporter to break the biggest news story in history. That’s what Mary was—except she wasn’t just reporting news; she was proclaiming salvation.

Maybe, like Mary, you are looking for God today. You may feel lost, searching for hope, or struggling to recognize His presence in your life. But just as Jesus called Mary by name, He is calling you too. This sermon series, Finding God, is about discovering His presence, even in the unexpected places of our lives.

A Short Gospel Presentation

The message of the gospel is simple yet life-changing. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God, but He, in His great love, made a way for us to be reconciled. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death so that we might have eternal life.

Salvation is a gift, not something we earn (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible says, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9, NLT).

Would you like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today? Pray this prayer:

The Sinner’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in You. Jesus, I invite You into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Help me to follow You and grow in my faith. Thank You for loving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Conclusion: The Message of the Resurrection

Mary’s journey reflects our own:

We grieve when we don’t understand what God is doing.

Jesus calls us by name, opening our eyes to see Him.

We are commissioned to proclaim the resurrection.

Her final words define Christian mission: “I have seen the Lord!” This declaration is not just a historical statement but a personal invitation for every believer. Just as Mary encountered the risen Christ and shared her testimony, we too are called to witness to His presence in our lives. How have you seen the Lord in your journey? In what ways is He calling you to share His message with others?

Prayer in the Chapel.

Baptism of Andrew Zanaras …