It was sunrise, three days after Jesus’ body was buried. The Gospel of Mark records that Mary Magdalene and two other women went to the tomb. Why? What were they expecting? We read that they “had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him” (16:1), as was customary at that time for showing special honor to the dead.
We don’t know if Mary was curious about the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophesied resurrection when she made her journey to the tomb. We do know that after Jesus rose, according to the Gospel of John, she didn’t recognize him at first, thinking he was the gardener (see 20:11–18). But as soon as he addressed her as “Mary,” she responded with “Rabboni,” which means “Master.”
The Bible says nothing about anyone else having this special experience. It seems to me Mary’s thought was particularly expectant, prepared to fully accept the fact that Jesus was risen, fully accepting of the message of Christ. She then went and reported what she had experienced to the disciples.
