Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.2 — Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Christ
8.2 — Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Christ: One word changed everything—”Mary.”
8.2 — Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Christ
Called by Name
The empty tomb had been discovered.
The angels had announced that Jesus was alive.
Peter and John had inspected the tomb and returned home.
Yet one person remained behind.
Mary Magdalene stayed.
She stood outside the tomb weeping.
Grief still clouded her understanding.
She knew the body was gone.
She did not yet understand the resurrection.
What followed became one of the most personal and beautiful encounters in all of Scripture.
The first recorded appearance of the risen Jesus was not to a king, a priest, or a political leader.
It was to a faithful disciple whose heart was broken.
The risen Christ met Mary in her sorrow and transformed it into joy.
Scripture References
John 20:11–18
Mark 16:9–11
Psalm 34:18
Isaiah 43:1
John 10:3–4
The Story
After Peter and John left, Mary remained at the tomb crying.
Looking into the tomb, she saw two angels seated where Jesus’ body had been.
They asked:
“Woman, why are you weeping?”
Mary replied:
“Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
Turning around, she saw a man standing nearby.
She assumed he was the gardener.
The man asked:
“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
Still not recognizing Him, Mary asked if he knew where Jesus’ body had been taken.
Then everything changed.
Jesus spoke a single word:
“Mary.”
Immediately she recognized Him.
The Shepherd had called one of His sheep by name.
Overwhelmed with joy, she responded:
“Rabboni!” (Teacher)
Jesus instructed her not to cling to Him but to go and tell the disciples the good news.
Mary became the first person commissioned to announce the resurrection.
She hurried to the disciples and declared:
“I have seen the Lord!”
Understanding the Story
Understanding the Story
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most faithful followers.
Jesus had delivered her from demonic oppression earlier in His ministry.
She followed Him, supported His ministry, witnessed the crucifixion, and came to the tomb on resurrection morning.
Her faithfulness placed her among the first witnesses of the resurrection.
Why Didn’t She Recognize Jesus Immediately?
The text does not give a specific reason.
Grief, tears, shock, and unexpected circumstances may all have contributed.
The resurrection was the last thing she expected.
Recognition came when Jesus called her by name.
Why Is Her Response Important?
Mary’s response demonstrates personal faith and devotion.
The resurrection was not merely a theological truth.
It was an encounter with a living Savior.
Understanding Jesus
Why Did Jesus Appear to Mary First?
The appearance demonstrates God’s grace and His concern for individuals.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus often noticed people whom society overlooked.
The resurrection begins in the same way.
Why Did Jesus Call Her Name?
The moment reflects Jesus’ teaching in John 10.
The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and calls them by name.
Recognition came through relationship.
What Does This Reveal About Jesus?
The risen Christ remains personal, compassionate, and attentive.
Resurrection did not make Him distant.
He still knew His followers.
He still cared for them.
Understanding Jesus: Women as Witnesses
In the first-century world, women were often not considered primary legal witnesses.
Yet God chose women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection.
This detail reflects the authenticity of the Gospel accounts and God’s pattern of working through unexpected
people.
Mary Magdalene became the first messenger of the resurrection.
Old Testament Connections
Isaiah records God saying:
“I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
The story also echoes the image of the shepherd who knows his sheep.
The resurrection demonstrates God’s personal care and faithfulness to His people.
The same God who calls individuals throughout Scripture calls Mary by name.
Missing Context Check
Was Mary Magdalene a Former Prostitute?
Scripture never identifies Mary Magdalene as a prostitute.
This tradition developed later but is not found in the Bible.
Why Is This Appearance Important?
It is the first recorded appearance of the risen Jesus.
It establishes Mary as the first witness and messenger of the resurrection.
What Does “Rabboni” Mean?
It is a respectful term meaning “Teacher” or “My Teacher.”
It reflects Mary’s love and devotion.
A Deeper Look: The Power of Being Known
Many people long to be seen, known, and understood.
Mary’s encounter reminds believers that Jesus knows His followers personally.
He did not simply reveal Himself through a dramatic display of power.
He spoke her name.
That simple act transformed grief into joy.
The resurrection is not merely about an empty tomb.
It is about a living relationship with the risen Christ.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other resurrection appearances and encounters.
Key Themes
Jesus Knows His People
The Shepherd calls His sheep by name.
Grief Can Become Joy
The resurrection transforms sorrow.
Women Play Important Roles
Mary becomes the first witness of the risen Christ.
The Resurrection Is Personal
Faith involves a relationship with Jesus.
Why This Lesson Matters
Many believers experience seasons of grief, confusion, and uncertainty.
Mary’s story reminds us that Jesus meets people in those moments.
The risen Christ is not distant.
He knows His followers personally.
He brings hope where there is sorrow and life where there is despair.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Good Shepherd.
The Risen Lord.
The Compassionate Savior.
The One Who Knows His People by Name.
The One Who Brings Joy Out of Grief.
Living the Message
Spend time reflecting on the ways God has been faithful in your life.
Remember that Jesus knows you personally.
Bring your sorrows and concerns to Him in prayer.
Share the hope of the resurrection with others.
Listen for the Shepherd’s voice through Scripture and prayer.
Reflection Questions
Why did Mary remain at the tomb?
Possible answers:
She loved Jesus and was grieving His death.
Why didn’t she recognize Jesus immediately?
Possible answers:
Grief and unexpected circumstances may have prevented recognition.
What changed everything?
Possible answers:
Jesus called her by name.
Why is Mary important in the resurrection story?
Possible answers:
She became the first witness and messenger of the risen Christ.
What does this lesson teach about Jesus?
Possible answers:
He knows His followers personally and cares for them deeply.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Jesus and became His first resurrection witness.
Reasons We Believe
The resurrection was witnessed by real people whose lives were transformed.
Obedience in Action
Share the hope of Christ with someone this week.
Walk It Out
Remember that Jesus knows you personally and walks with you daily.
Related Lessons
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.3 The Road to Emmaus
8.4 Jesus Appears to the Disciples
8.5 Thomas and Faith
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Mary came to the tomb weeping.
She left rejoicing.
The difference was a single word spoken by the risen Savior:
“Mary.”
The Shepherd called His sheep by name, and everything changed.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
