Bible Commentary on John 20:16

John 20:16 states:

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)."

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, and the interaction between Him and Mary Magdalene in John 20:16 holds profound theological significance. In this brief yet powerful encounter, we witness not only the fulfillment of promises made by Christ but also the personal nature of His resurrection. This commentary draws from reputable public domain sources, including Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, and Albert Barnes, to illuminate the richness of this verse.

Contextual Analysis

Following His crucifixion, Jesus' body was laid in the tomb, and on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb, which sets the stage for this momentous revelation. The passage discusses the emotions of grief and confusion experienced by Mary, which are pivotal for understanding her reaction to Jesus’ appearance.

• Mary's Grief: Mary was deeply troubled by the absence of Jesus’ body, a palpable expression of her love and devotion. As Matthew Henry observes, this highlights her ardent desire to be near her Lord.
• The Personal Name: Jesus calls her by name, "Mary," which signifies the intimate relationship between them. Albert Barnes notes that this personal address denotes a deep personal connection and recognizes Mary's devotion.

Theological Implications

The encounter encapsulates several theological themes essential for ongoing Christian reflection:

• The Resurrection: The personal appearance of Jesus to Mary reinforces the reality of the resurrection. Adam Clarke emphasizes that this incident counters any notion of a spiritual resurrection devoid of physical reality.
• Recognition and Relationship: When Mary recognizes Jesus, it reflects the transformative power of resurrection; her calling Him “Rabboni” indicates that she acknowledges Him as her Teacher. This re-establishes her identity as a disciple.
• Mission of the Disciples: Jesus commissions Mary to go and tell the disciples, marking her as the first evangelist of the resurrection. This inclusion demonstrates the significant role of women in the early church and their importance in witnessing to the truth of Christ.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry notes that the words of Jesus to Mary are tender and affectionate, which illustrates how personal and intimate the relationship is between the Savior and His followers. He emphasizes the joy and transformation that follow this recognition, highlighting the assurance that Jesus is indeed alive.

Albert Barnes

According to Albert Barnes, Mary's response, "Rabboni," not only expresses her joy but also signifies her position as a disciple. This exclamation encapsulates her recognition of Jesus’ authority and teaching, revealing the depth of her understanding of His role in her life and ministry. Barnes correlates this moment with the larger purpose of Jesus' ministry – to teach and transform lives.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke elaborates on the significance of the Aramaic term “Rabboni,” stating that it represents a deep respect and love. He draws attention to the cultural context, where such expressions were customary in rabbinic tradition, thus placing Mary within the framework of a devoted student to her master. Clarke also highlights the implications of her commission to go to the disciples, emphasizing Mary's role as a key figure in the resurrection narrative.

Conclusion

The interaction between Jesus and Mary in John 20:16 serves as a profound reminder of the personal and relational aspect of the resurrection: it is not merely an event but a transformative encounter that redefines identities, brings hope, and commissions believers. For pastors, students, and theologians alike, this verse encourages reflection on the depth of personal relationship with Christ and the call to share the good news with others.