John 20
The Story of the Empty Tomb
Mary Magdalene and the disciples find the tomb empty, and the risen Jesus meets His own.
Setting and Context
John 20 focuses the resurrection morning on witness, recognition, and commission. The empty tomb is not an end in itself; it leads to personal encounter with the risen Lord.
The Story
The first day of the week Mary Magdalene comes early to the sepulchre and sees the stone taken away. She runs to Peter and the other disciple, saying they have taken away the Lord.
Peter and the other disciple run to the tomb. They see linen clothes lying and the napkin folded. The other disciple sees and believes, though they do not yet fully understand the Scripture that He must rise.
Mary stands weeping and meets Jesus, mistaking Him at first for the gardener. When He speaks her name, she recognizes Him. He sends her to the brethren with the news of the risen Lord.
Meaning and Importance
Mary finds the stone taken away. Peter and the other disciple run to the tomb and see linen clothes lying. Mary meets Jesus in the garden, and He sends her to tell the disciples.
The empty tomb announces that death could not hold Jesus. Grief turns to recognition when He calls by name. The first witness is sent with good news, founding Christian proclamation on resurrection reality.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
John 20:1
“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.”
Read John 20John 20:8
“Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.”
Read John 20John 20:16
“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.”
Read John 20John 20:17
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
Read John 20John 20:18
“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”
Read John 20What This Story Teaches
- The tomb is empty because Jesus is risen.
- The risen Christ knows His own by name.
- Witnesses are sent to tell the good news.
Questions about Empty Tomb
Where is the empty tomb in the Bible?
The empty tomb is recorded in all four Gospels, including John 20.
Who first saw the risen Jesus in John 20?
Mary Magdalene meets Jesus in the garden and is sent to tell the disciples.
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