Who Went to the Tomb Early on the First Day?
The question of who went to the tomb early on the first day of the week is one of the most important moments in the resurrection narrative of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospels, a group of faithful women visited the tomb at dawn and discovered that it was empty. This moment marks the beginning of the resurrection story and is central to Christian belief.
In this detailed guide, we will explore who went to the tomb, why they went, what they found, and why this moment is significant.
The Women Who Went to the Tomb Early
All four Gospels mention women visiting Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday morning. While the exact names vary slightly between accounts, the key witnesses include several devoted followers of Jesus.
1. Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is consistently mentioned in all Gospel accounts as one of the first witnesses of the empty tomb.
- She was a devoted follower of Jesus
- She stood by during His crucifixion
- She came early to the tomb out of love and devotion
- She was the first to see the risen Christ (according to John’s Gospel)
Mary Magdalene plays a central role in the resurrection story and is often called the “apostle to the apostles” because she was sent to tell the disciples about Jesus’ resurrection.
2. Mary the Mother of James
Mary the mother of James is also mentioned among the women who visited the tomb.
- She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion
- She observed where Jesus was buried
- She came with spices to anoint His body
- She was part of the faithful group of women followers
Her presence highlights the loyalty of Jesus’ followers even after His death.
3. Salome
Salome is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark as one of the women who came to the tomb.
- She was likely the mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples
- She followed Jesus during His ministry
- She came early in the morning with spices
- She witnessed the empty tomb and the angelic message
Salome’s involvement shows that members of Jesus’ wider circle of followers were deeply committed to Him.
4. Joanna
Joanna is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as one of the women at the tomb.
- She was the wife of Chuza, an official of Herod’s household
- She supported Jesus’ ministry financially and personally
- She was among the women who brought spices to the tomb
- She became a witness of the resurrection news
Joanna’s background shows that Jesus’ message reached people from different social levels.
Why Did They Go to the Tomb Early?
The women went to the tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week (Sunday) for several important reasons:
1. To Anoint Jesus’ Body
- Jesus had been buried quickly before the Sabbath
- There was no time for proper burial preparation
- The women brought spices and perfumes
- They intended to honor Him with a proper burial ritual
2. Out of Love and Devotion
- They deeply loved Jesus
- They remained faithful even after His death
- They wanted to care for Him one last time
3. Early Morning Timing
- They came at dawn, “while it was still dark” in some accounts
- This shows urgency and devotion
- It also fulfills the tradition of visiting tombs early
What Did They Find at the Tomb?
When the women arrived, they were shocked by what they discovered:
1. The Stone Was Rolled Away
- The large stone sealing the tomb was no longer in place
- This allowed them to look inside
2. The Tomb Was Empty
- The body of Jesus was not there
- His burial cloths were left behind in some accounts
3. Angelic Messengers Appeared
- Angels appeared and spoke to the women
- They announced that Jesus had risen
- They told the women not to be afraid
The Message They Received
The angels delivered a powerful message:
- “He is not here; He has risen”
- They reminded the women of Jesus’ own prediction of resurrection
- They instructed them to tell the disciples
This moment transforms fear into joy and confusion into faith.
Why This Event Is So Important
The visit of the women to the tomb is significant for several reasons:
1. First Witnesses of the Resurrection
- Women were the first to discover the empty tomb
- They were the first to receive the resurrection message
2. Faithful Followers Rewarded
- Despite fear and grief, they remained faithful
- They became key witnesses in Christian tradition
3. Foundation of Christian Belief
- The empty tomb is central to the belief in resurrection
- It confirms Jesus’ teachings about rising after death
Key Lessons from the Women at the Tomb
This event teaches several powerful lessons:
- Faithfulness matters even in difficult times
- Love leads people to act with courage
- God often chooses unexpected witnesses
- Hope can emerge from sorrow
- The resurrection changes everything
Conclusion
The Gospel accounts clearly show that several devoted women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna—went to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week. Their act of love and devotion led them to become the first witnesses of the greatest event in Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.