Actual Chronology of Scene at Empty Tomb

PART II 
(See here for Part I)
and Part III

ACTUAL CHRONOLOGY OF SCENE AT EMPTY TOMB

Emphasizing Major Role of the Blessed Mother and

Lesser Role of Mary Magdalen

    

The actual chronology of the scene at the empty tomb (John 20:1-18) from the Gerhard book is summarized below. Note the prominence and importance of the role of our Blessed Mother, who is featured in close personal embrace, close personal address, and intimacy with her Son, Jesus, after referring to Him, in conversation with the angels, as “my Lord.” This is a significant variation from “the Lord,” spoken twice by Mary Magdalen. Moreover, note the fact that Jesus puts exact verbatim words into His mother’s mouth to have her foretell to the disciples that she, like Jesus, will experience a personal ASSUMPTION into heaven.

      Also note the lesser status of Mary Magdalen, who acts as messenger and reporter to the disciples just as she had lesser status at the cross, where her name was mentioned last among the four persons listed. At the cross, she is in attendance, yes, but she does nothing. It is the mother and the disciple whom Jesus loved who fill the sponge with soldiers’ wine and wrap it in hyssop in response to Jesus’ cry of thirst (John 19:29). It was a bold act of faith on the part of the new mother and new son that brought forth Jesus’ final words: “It is completely finished,” followed by the breathing forth of the Spirit onto His new family.