Pentecost Season · Saint Mary Magdalene · Year A
John 20:1-2, 11-18
The Empty Tomb
July 22, 2026
Overview & Insights
“I have seen the Lord.” (John 20:18)
The story of the empty tomb is Mary Magdalene’s story. To this point in the Gospel, Mary has been mentioned only once, with no further identification (19:25), probably because she is presumed to be well known to the Gospel’s readers. In Mark, Matthew, and Luke she is mentioned first among the women who came to the tomb on Sunday morning, but here she seems to come alone. Only her statement that we [plural] don’t know the whereabouts of Jesus’ body (v. 2) betrays a consciousness of others present with her at the tomb (contrast I don’t know in v. 13).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on John 20:1-18 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the empty tomb and the risen Lord who calls Mary by name.
John 20: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the resurrection chapter.
John 20 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of quotations, word studies, and cross references worked verse by verse.
John 20:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the resurrection morning in one place.
Barnes' Notes on John 20 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of John 20.
Saint Mary Magdalene (Year B): Readings Agape Bible Study
A Catholic reading study for the feast, tracing Mary's encounter with the risen Christ in the garden.
Saint Mary Magdalene, Cycle B, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel of John, its structure and themes.
Gospel of John 13-21 Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of the second half of John, including the death and resurrection of Jesus.
John 20:11 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the garden encounter.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What happens at the empty tomb in John?
Mary Magdalene finds the stone rolled away, and the risen Jesus calls her by name; she runs to tell the disciples, I have seen the Lord.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 20:1-2, 11-18
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.