Who Was the First to Hear the News of Jesus‘
Resurrection and Why?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity, and it represents the ultimate victory over death, sin, and evil. It is the reason for the hope that Christians have in the eternal life promised through Jesus. However, one of the most profound aspects of the resurrection story is not just the event itself, but the people to whom the news was first revealed. Who was the first to hear the news of Jesus’ resurrection, and why did God choose them to be the first witnesses of this world-changing moment?
In this article, we will explore the answer to this important question, looking at the first people who heard about the resurrection, the cultural and theological significance of their role, and the message God communicated through these first witnesses. We will also reflect on the symbolism of Jesus’ choice of these individuals and the importance of this divine revelation in the context of Christian theology.
The Women at the Tomb: The First to Hear the Good News
The first people to hear about Jesus’ resurrection were women, specifically Mary Magdalene and the other women who came to the tomb on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, we see that these women were the first to witness the empty tomb and hear the announcement of Jesus’ resurrection. This fact is deeply significant, and it stands in sharp contrast to the cultural norms of the time.
Who Were These Women?
The women who first encountered the resurrected Jesus had been followers of His during His life and ministry. Mary Magdalene, who is often mentioned first in the Gospels, had a particularly close relationship with Jesus. According to Luke 8:2, Mary had been healed by Jesus from possession by seven demons, and she was among the women who supported Jesus’ ministry. It was this Mary who was the first to witness the risen Lord.
Other women who were present at the tomb included Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna (Luke 24:10). Together, these women had followed Jesus closely throughout His ministry, and they had witnessed His death, burial, and now the resurrection. They came to the tomb with a deep sense of mourning, expecting to find Jesus’ lifeless body, but instead, they were met with the most astonishing news they could have ever imagined: Jesus had risen from the dead.
The Angel’s Announcement: “He is Not Here, He Has Risen!”
The significance of the resurrection begins with the message that the angel gave to the women. In Matthew 28:5-7, when the women arrived at the tomb, they found that the stone had been rolled away, and an angel appeared to them. The angel spoke words that would forever change the course of history:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.'”
This announcement was the first proclamation of the resurrection. The angel did not say, “He has risen for you to celebrate,” but rather gave them a mission to share the news with others—starting with the disciples. The resurrection was not just a victory to be experienced by the women, but a message to be spread to all of humanity.
Why Did God Choose Women to Be the First Witnesses?
The fact that women were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ resurrection carries immense theological and cultural weight. In the context of first-century Judaism, women had very little social standing, especially in legal matters. A woman’s testimony was not considered reliable in a court of law, and women were often marginalized in many areas of life. However, Jesus consistently defied these social norms by elevating the status of women throughout His ministry.
The choice of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection emphasizes several key theological points:
- God’s Reversal of Social Norms: God chose to reveal the greatest news in human history to those whom society considered less important. This serves as a powerful reminder that in God’s kingdom, the “first” will be “last,” and the “last” will be “first” (Matthew 20:16). Jesus broke the societal barriers that oppressed women and gave them dignity, purpose, and responsibility. By choosing women to be the first to witness the resurrection, God showed that His love and grace extend to everyone, regardless of gender or social status.
- Emphasis on Faithfulness and Humility: The women at the tomb were faithful followers of Jesus. They had been with Him throughout His ministry, and they were the ones who stayed near Him even in His darkest hour—His crucifixion. Their deep faith, devotion, and humility made them worthy recipients of the first revelation of Jesus’ victory over death. Their response to the angel’s message was not only one of joy and amazement, but also one of obedience. They immediately went to tell the disciples what they had seen, becoming the first evangelists of the resurrection.
- Authenticity and Credibility: If the resurrection account had been fabricated by the disciples or the early church, it is highly unlikely that women would have been chosen as the first witnesses. Given the cultural biases of the time, it would not have made sense for the authors of the Gospel to invent a story in which women were the key witnesses, as their testimony would have been considered unreliable by society. The fact that women were the first to see the risen Christ lends authenticity and credibility to the resurrection narrative. It confirms that the story is true, not the result of human invention or wishful thinking.
- The Mission of Proclamation: The women were not only witnesses but were also entrusted with the first commission to go and tell the disciples about the resurrection. This marks the beginning of the great commission that Jesus would later give to all of His followers—to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). By commissioning the women to spread the news, God highlights the important role that all believers, regardless of gender, play in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mary Magdalene: The First to See the Risen Jesus
While the women collectively received the message of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene has a particularly unique and personal encounter with Jesus after the resurrection. In John 20:11-18, we read that after the angel’s announcement, Mary Magdalene remained at the tomb, weeping. She turned and saw someone she thought was the gardener, but it was Jesus, alive and standing before her. He called her by name, and she immediately recognized Him.
Jesus then entrusted Mary with the mission of delivering the news to the disciples, saying, “Go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene became the first person to see the risen Christ in person, and she was the first to be sent with the message of His resurrection. This is a powerful testimony to God’s grace, as Mary was a woman who had been delivered from demonic possession and had experienced Jesus’ profound healing and transformation. Jesus’ appearance to her affirms that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past or their social standing.
The Significance of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the bedrock of the Christian faith. It is the event that assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life. Through the resurrection, Jesus conquered death, sin, and the grave. It is the proof that everything Jesus said and did was true, and it affirms that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to pay for the sins of the world.
But beyond the theological significance, the resurrection carries a personal message of hope and transformation. The first witnesses to the resurrection were not powerful men or leaders, but women—those whom society might have overlooked. This speaks to the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where all people, no matter their background, are invited to share in the life-changing power of the resurrection.
Conclusion
The first people to hear the news of Jesus’ resurrection were women—Mary Magdalene and the other women who came to the tomb early that Sunday morning. This choice was not arbitrary. It was a profound statement about God’s love, grace, and the inclusivity of His kingdom. The women were the first to witness the miracle of the resurrection, and they were entrusted with the mission of sharing the good news with others. In choosing them, God showed that the message of the resurrection is for everyone, regardless of gender, social status, or past.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is a message of hope, healing, and transformation for all who believe. Just as Jesus appeared first to those who were marginalized and often overlooked, so He continues to reveal Himself to those who are humble, broken, and open to His love. May we, like Mary Magdalene and the other women, faithfully proclaim the hope of the resurrection to the world.
Meta Description: The first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection were women. This article explores why God chose women to be the first to hear the good news and the significance of their role in the resurrection story.
Discussion Questions:
- What does the choice of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection say about God’s view of women?
- How does the resurrection offer hope to those who feel marginalized or overlooked?
- Why is it important that the resurrection account is historically and culturally authentic?
May God’s grace be with you.
