New Testament
John 20:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them what he had said to her.
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Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
What John 20:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Mary Magdalene is filled with joy and excitement after encountering the risen Jesus. She rushes to share this incredible news with the disciples, declaring that she has seen the Lord. This moment is significant as it marks the first appearance of Jesus after his resurrection, highlighting the importance of women in the early Christian community. Mary’s testimony is powerful; she not only shares her experience but also conveys the message Jesus gave her. This emphasizes the role of personal encounters with Christ in spreading the Gospel. Her actions demonstrate the urgency and joy of sharing faith with others, showing that witnessing and proclaiming the truth of Jesus is a vital part of being a follower.
How to apply John 20:18 to your life
Like Mary Magdalene, we are called to share our experiences of faith with others. When we encounter Jesus in our lives, we should not keep it to ourselves. Instead, we should joyfully proclaim what we have learned and encourage others to seek Him.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 20:18 mean?
John 20:18 describes Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus, where she joyfully announces to the disciples that she has seen the Lord. This moment highlights her role as the first witness of the resurrection and emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences of faith.
What is the significance of Mary Magdalene in John 20:18?
Mary Magdalene is significant in John 20:18 as she is the first person to see the resurrected Jesus and share this news with the disciples. Her testimony underscores the vital role women played in the early Christian community and the importance of personal witness.
What does 'I have seen the Lord' mean in John 20:18?
The phrase 'I have seen the Lord' in John 20:18 expresses Mary Magdalene's personal encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. It signifies a transformative experience that compels her to share the good news with others.
How does John 20:18 relate to sharing faith?
John 20:18 illustrates the importance of sharing faith, as Mary Magdalene eagerly tells the disciples about her encounter with Jesus. This encourages believers to share their own experiences of faith and the joy of knowing Christ.
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