Resurrection: The lynchpin that holds the Christian faith together is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:14, 17, 19). It is a doctrine every Christian believes (Rom. 10:9). Jesus’ resurrection validated everything Jesus taught and claimed, and it signified His victory over sin, death, and hell; and we who are one with Him by faith can now say, “To die is gain” (Phil. 1:21) and “Death is swallowed up in victory!” (1 Cor. 15:54). This is our assurance that we will rise with Him in glory one day (1 Cor. 15:52; Phil. 3:21). Having furnished the evidence of Jesus’ death, burial, empty tomb, and graveclothes (John 19:38-20:10), John now presents the post-resurrection appearances of our Lord that explain all the data points. The first of these is Mary’s testimony. She saw Him, touched Him, spoke with Him, and asserted: “I have seen the Lord” (20:18).
Love: Mary loved the Lord. She was last at the cross (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:47) and first at the tomb (20:1). Her love shone in how she returned and lingered long at the tomb (20:11-12), how she continually shed tears (20:11), how she offered to do the impossible—carry away His body (20:15)—and how she held onto His feet (20:17). She loved Him with dedication, emotions (1 Cor. 16:22), and submission (John 14:15). Her love for the Lord was full-orbed. All who belong to Christ come to love Him thus also.[1] This is true even of those who have never seen the Lord. We trust in Him and we love Him (20:29; 1 Pet. 1:8). Love for the Lord is what binds all the saints together. Jesus has given us every reason to love Him (2 Cor. 8:9; Eph. 3:19; 1 John 3:16). May we turn our eyes to Him to behold the king in His beauty (Is. 33:17) and love Him (Deut. 6:5).