April 5, 2026 | John 20:1-20

Elaine Pierce
Apr 5
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Are You the Gardener?

By Elaine Pierce

Have you ever mistaken someone for someone else? In Luke 24:13-35, two followers of Jesus are discouraged and defeated because Jesus has been crucified, and they think that their rabbi is dead and all their dreams of redeeming Israel and defeating the hated Romans have died with him. They don't recognize him as he walks with them on the road to Emmaus. Only when he breaks bread with them at dinner do they recognize him.

In today's passage, Mary doesn't recognize Jesus. She thinks he is the gardener. When He says her name: "Mary," her eyes are opened and she recognizes her beloved "Rabboni "(which means teacher - see John 20:16). Yes, Jesus knows her. And he loves her and her brothers. Do you notice that he calls the disciples 'brothers?' "Go instead to your brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" (v. 17).

That Jesus appeared first to a woman is noteworthy, but the more important fact is that he was no longer dead in the tomb. The strips of linen were lying there, empty. The stone had been rolled away. We have heard this story so many times that it is hard to imagine what it would have been like to be Mary or the disciples seeing this for the first time, in real time. Where had he gone? Could it be that he is risen?? Mary was so filled with grief and sorrow that she failed to see the big picture - that the empty tomb meant that He had risen indeed. After the disciples left the tomb, she remained there, overwhelmed with sadness.

And then - picture this - two angels appear in the tomb! Mary must have been confused, frightened, and awestruck at the same time. But all she wants is to take care of Jesus' body, and to give him a proper burial. Her emotions certainly did a 180, didn't they: Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" (v. 18).

Yes, the tomb is empty. Yes, Jesus knows your name, He knows my name. He paid the ultimate price - death on the cross - so that you and I could have life eternal. Today is Easter, and we will joyfully respond "He is risen indeed!" when our pastor calls out "He is risen!" In the midst of family dinners and Easter egg hunts, take time to reflect on this gift, and to thank him on bended knee for all that he has done, all that he is doing, and all that is to come. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you died so that I might live. I don't deserve it, and yet you wait eagerly for me to come to you and you delight in spending time with me. Thank you for this gift and help me share this joy with others. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!