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Easter Season · Resurrection of the Lord · Year C

John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Mary Magdalene at the Empty Tomb

April 16, 2028

Noli me tangere, Correggio
Noli me tangere, Correggio, c. 1525Museo del Prado, Madrid
Mary Magdalene kneels in a garden at dawn as the risen Christ, a gardener’s hoe at his feet, turns toward her and points heavenward.Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.”CorreggioAn Emilian painter from Correggio near Parma, admired for soft light and tender, graceful figures.Museo del Prado, MadridSpain’s national museum in Madrid, built on the collections of the Spanish kings.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelJohn 20:1-18Jn 20:1-18 orLuke 24:1-12Lk 24:1-12
Epistle1 Cor. 15:19-261 Cor 15:19-26 orActs 10:34-43
Old TestamentActs 10:34-43 orIsa. 65:17-25Is 65:17-25
PsalterPs. 118:1-2, 14-24Ps 118:1-2, 14-24

Overview & Insights

"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord'" (John 20:18)

John 20:1-18 tells of Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb before dawn, running to tell Peter and the beloved disciple, and then being the first to meet the risen Jesus, whom she initially mistakes for the gardener.

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Take it further: John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Commentary

John 20 CommentariesJn 20 Commentaries BibleHub

Gathers Matthew Henry, Gill, Barnes, and other classic commentators verse by verse on John 20.

John 20 - The Resurrection of Jesus ChristJn 20 - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik walks through the chapter with plain, sermon-ready explanation of each verse.

John 20 CommentaryJn 20 Commentary Precept Austin

Compiles quotes and cross-references from many conservative evangelical scholars on the chapter.

Commentary on John 20:1-18 (Resurrection of Our Lord)Commentary on Jn 20:1-18 (Resurrection of Our Lord) Working Preacher

A Luther Seminary scholar traces Mary's movement from grief to recognition and proclamation.

John 20:1-18 CommentaryJn 20:1-18 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Calvin Seminary preaching resource highlights the understated, dawn breaking tone of John's account.

While It Was Still Dark Center for Excellence in Preaching

A full manuscript sermon built around the darkness to recognition movement of Mary's Easter morning.

God's Answer, Easter Day (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

An Episcopal preaching resource written specifically for Easter Day in Year C.

Background & Word Study

John 20:1 Interlinear (Greek)Jn 20:1 Interlinear (Greek) BibleHub

Shows the Greek text of John 20 word by word with Strong's numbers and parsing.

John 13-21 OverviewJn 13-21 Overview BibleProject

An animated video walks through the literary design of John's second half, including the resurrection scene.

The Church Fathers

Catena on John 20Catena on Jn 20 Catena

Collects patristic comment, including Chrysostom and Augustine, verse by verse on the chapter.

Worship & Prayers

The Lectionary Page The Lectionary Page

Provides the full Revised Common Lectionary propers and collects used in Sunday worship.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave #350: Resurrection of the Lord Working Preacher

Luther Seminary faculty talk through preaching options for Easter Sunday's readings, including John 20.

Art & Music

Resurrection of the Lord, Year C: Art Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt's lectionary art collection pairs public domain images with the Easter Day readings.

Study Hub

John 20:1-18 Resource LinksJn 20:1-18 Resource Links Textweek

A long-running clearinghouse of links to commentaries, sermons, and art for this exact passage.

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