Who Found Jesus’ Tomb Empty? A Gospel Comparison

Accounts of who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb reflect the rich tapestry of early Christian narratives. Each Gospel offers distinct perspectives, providing valuable insights into the theological and historical contexts in which they were written.

The differences between these accounts are not merely incidental but point to deeper narrative purposes. These variations invite readers to engage critically with the texts, examining their unique contributions to the overarching story.

The Gospel of Matthew’s Account

In the Gospel of Matthew, the discovery of the empty tomb is a dramatic and vivid narrative. It begins with Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” visiting the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. Their journey is marked by a significant event: a violent earthquake. This seismic activity is not merely a natural phenomenon but is tied to the appearance of an angel of the Lord, who descends from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits upon it. The angel’s appearance is described as being like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow, emphasizing the divine nature of the encounter.

The guards stationed at the tomb are so overwhelmed by fear that they become like dead men, paralyzed by the angel’s presence. This detail underscores the power and authority of the divine messenger. The angel addresses the women, reassuring them with the words, “Do not be afraid,” and informs them that Jesus, who was crucified, is not there; he has risen, as he said. The angel then instructs the women to go quickly and tell Jesus’ disciples that he has risen from the dead and is going ahead of them into Galilee.

The women, filled with a mixture of fear and joy, obey the angel’s command. As they hurry away from the tomb to deliver the message, they encounter Jesus himself. He greets them, and they clasp his feet and worship him. Jesus reiterates the angel’s instructions, telling them to inform his brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see him. This personal encounter with the risen Jesus adds a profound layer to Matthew’s account, highlighting the immediacy and intimacy of the resurrection experience.

The Gospel of Mark’s Account

Mark’s narrative of the empty tomb introduces an atmosphere of tension and mystery. Early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome make their way to the tomb with spices, intending to anoint Jesus’ body. Their journey is marked by concern over who would roll away the stone from the entrance, a practical detail that sets a somber, contemplative tone.

As they arrive, they find the stone already rolled away, a surprise that heightens the sense of the unexpected. Venturing into the tomb, they encounter a young man dressed in a white robe, seated on the right side. This figure’s presence and attire suggest a heavenly being, though Mark’s account leaves room for ambiguity, inviting readers to ponder the significance of his identity.

The young man addresses the women, telling them not to be alarmed and delivering the news that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has risen. This declaration is concise and straightforward, focusing on the core message of the resurrection without additional embellishment. He instructs the women to inform the disciples and Peter specifically that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee, where they will see him.

The women’s reaction is intense; they flee from the tomb, trembling and bewildered. Mark’s account emphasizes their fear and astonishment, ending with them saying nothing to anyone because they were afraid. This abrupt conclusion in the earliest manuscripts leaves the reader with a sense of unfinished business and unresolved tension, perhaps reflecting the uncertainty and awe that the resurrection event inspired.

The Gospel of Luke’s Account

Luke’s account of the empty tomb is marked by a sense of communal discovery and reflection. At early dawn, a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, approach the tomb carrying spices they had prepared. Their collective presence underscores a communal mourning and a shared commitment to honoring Jesus. Upon arrival, they find the stone rolled away, and stepping inside, they do not find the body of Jesus.

This initial shock is compounded by the appearance of two men in dazzling garments, who suddenly stand beside them. This detail adds an element of surprise and divine intervention, as the women bow their faces to the ground in fear. The men, however, shift the focus from fear to remembrance by asking, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” They remind the women of Jesus’ own words in Galilee, predicting his suffering, death, and resurrection. This moment of recollection is pivotal, as it transforms the women’s understanding from confusion to clarity.

The women then return to the Eleven and all the others, sharing their experience and the message they received. Luke emphasizes the initial skepticism of the apostles, who regard the women’s words as an idle tale. This skepticism is a crucial narrative element, illustrating the human struggle to grasp the miraculous. Yet, Peter’s curiosity is piqued, and he runs to the tomb. Stooping to look in, he sees only the linen cloths by themselves and leaves, marveling at what had happened. Luke’s portrayal of Peter’s reaction adds another layer to the unfolding realization of the resurrection.

The Gospel of John’s Account

John’s narrative of discovering the empty tomb weaves together themes of individual discovery and deepened belief. Early in the morning, while it is still dark, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and sees the stone removed from the entrance. She runs to inform Simon Peter and the beloved disciple, highlighting a sense of urgency and communal involvement. This initial glimpse sets off a chain of events that underscores personal encounters and growing faith.

Peter and the other disciple race to the tomb, with the beloved disciple arriving first but hesitating at the entrance. Peter, arriving later, enters the tomb and finds the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head rolled up separately. This detailed observation adds a layer of authenticity and invites readers to ponder the significance of these physical remnants. The beloved disciple then enters, sees, and believes, though John’s account notes that they did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. This moment captures the nascent faith that will continue to develop.

Mary remains outside the tomb weeping and, upon looking inside, sees two angels in white. Her sorrow turns to astonishment as they ask why she is weeping. Turning around, she sees Jesus but does not recognize him, mistaking him for the gardener. It is only when Jesus addresses her by name that she realizes who he is. This personal recognition highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers and the transformative power of his resurrection.

Harmonizing the Accounts

Reconciling the four Gospel accounts of who found Jesus’ tomb empty reveals a nuanced tapestry of early Christian testimony. Each Gospel offers a distinct lens, reflecting the perspectives and theological emphases of its author. While Matthew and Mark focus on the initial discovery by women, Luke and John extend the narrative to include interactions with the apostles and further divine encounters. The discrepancies in the number of women, their identities, and their reactions serve to enrich rather than detract from the overall narrative, painting a multifaceted picture of the resurrection event.

The diversity in these accounts invites readers to consider the different facets of the resurrection story. Matthew’s dramatic angelic appearance and Mark’s abrupt conclusion emphasize divine intervention and human astonishment. Luke’s communal discovery and John’s intimate recognition moments highlight the varying responses to the empty tomb. Together, these accounts provide a composite image that underscores the transformative impact of the resurrection on early Christian communities.

Literary Analysis of the Narratives

Examining the literary elements within each Gospel narrative offers deeper insights into their unique contributions. The story structures, character dynamics, and thematic elements reflect the distinct theological aims of the Gospel writers.

Symbolism and Imagery

Each Gospel employs rich symbolism and vivid imagery to convey the resurrection’s significance. Matthew’s account, with its earthquake and angelic figure, underscores a cosmic shift, echoing Old Testament theophanies. Mark’s reserved yet powerful narrative uses the empty tomb and the young man in white to evoke mystery and divine revelation. Luke’s inclusion of two men in dazzling clothes and the women’s shared experience emphasizes communal remembrance and fulfillment of prophecy. John’s detailed portrayal of the burial cloths and Mary’s personal encounter with Jesus highlights themes of recognition and transformation.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structures of the Gospels also reveal their distinct theological intentions. Matthew and Luke provide detailed, step-by-step accounts that guide readers through the events, emphasizing continuity with Jesus’ ministry and fulfillment of his predictions. Mark’s abrupt ending creates a sense of open-endedness, inviting readers into the ongoing story of faith. John’s layered narrative, with its interplay between individual and communal discovery, underscores the unfolding nature of belief and understanding.