Series: Hidden Heroes (Week 4)Podcast: The Bible Unplugged (TBU)Host: J. Brent EatonBible Translation: World English Bible (WEB)
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Introduction
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb expecting death—not resurrection. John’s Gospel slows the story down and shows us what resurrection feels like for someone still deep in grief. Mary sees Jesus and doesn’t recognize Him… until He speaks a single word: her name.
This episode explores the most personal resurrection encounter in the Gospels and what it means to be known by the risen Christ.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
* “Magdalene” means Mary was from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
* Luke 8:1–3 says Jesus cast out “seven demons” from Mary, and she became one of the women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry.
* Scripture does not say she was a prostitute—this was a later tradition, not a biblical claim.
* In the Gospels, Mary is consistently portrayed as devoted, present, and faithful.
The Hidden Hero Moment in John 20
Mary comes “while it was still dark”
John 20:1 says Mary comes early, while it was still dark. In John, “darkness” often carries emotional and spiritual weight—fear, confusion, grief, and uncertainty.
Mary assumes the worst
Mary sees the stone rolled away and immediately concludes the body has been taken (John 20:2). Grief reaches for explanations, not hope.
Mary stays when others leave
Peter and the other disciple inspect the tomb and go home (John 20:10). Mary remains outside the tomb weeping (John 20:11). This “staying” becomes part of her devotion—and part of why she receives the encounter.
Mary sees Jesus but doesn’t recognize Him
Mary mistakes Jesus for the gardener (John 20:15). On one level, it’s understandable—she’s grieving and exhausted. On another level, John’s “garden” language echoes new creation themes.
The turning point is a name
Jesus says one word—“Mary”—and she recognizes Him (John 20:16). The resurrection becomes personal, not theoretical: she recognizes Jesus not by sight, but by being known.
Key Themes
Jesus meets us inside grief
Mary is weeping when Jesus appears. The encounter doesn’t wait for her to “get over it.” Jesus meets her in the middle of sorrow.
Known by name
This echoes Jesus’ teaching in John 10:3–4: the shepherd calls his sheep by name. Mary recognizes Jesus through relationship.
“Don’t cling to me” — releasing the old way
Jesus’ words in John 20:17 are often misunderstood. The sense is not “don’t touch,” but “don’t cling.” Mary wants the old life back; Jesus gently leads her forward into a new season and a new purpose.
From mourner to messenger
Jesus commissions Mary to tell the disciples the news (John 20:17–18). In this sense, she becomes the first messenger of resurrection in John’s account.
Takeaways From the Story
* Grief does not disqualify you—Jesus meets you in it.
* God knows you personally—your pain is not anonymous.
* Sometimes clinging to “what was” keeps us from receiving “what is.”
* The place of tears can become the place of calling.
Challenge for the Week
Spend five quiet minutes with this prayerful question:
“Jesus… what do You call me?”(Not your role. Not your failure. Not your fear. Your name.)
Pray as You go:”When I feel uncertain… give me Your peace”
Scripture References (WEB)
* John 20:1–18 — Mary at the tomb; recognition; commissioning
* John 10:3–4 — The shepherd calls his sheep by name
* Luke 8:1–3 — Mary Magdalene and the women supporting Jesus
* Mark 16:9 — Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene
Next Week (Week 5 Preview)
Next episode: Thomas — why doubt, handled rightly, can lead to deeper faith.
