The Easter Enigma (A recap of the events of John 20 and the other gospel resurrection accounts)

This recap and explanation of the order of events and the major players on the day of the resurrection are taken from all four gospels by John Wenham in his fascinating book, The Easter Enigma:

Very early in the morning, while it is still dark, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (accompanied by her husband Clopas) set off from Bethany to return to John’s house in Jerusalem as it is becoming light. Clopas stays at John’s house while Salome joins the two Marys and the three proceed to the garden tomb via the Gennath Gate. Anointing the body of the dead is women’s work. This is why Clopas stays behind. They discover the stone rolled away and the grave open. Mary Magdalene jumps to the conclusion that Jesus’ body had been stolen and immediately runs back to tell Peter and John.

A bit later in the early morning Joanna and Susanna set out from the Hasmonean palace and reach the garden tomb via the Ephraim Gate. They find Salome and the other Mary discussing what to do and decide all should go into the tomb, where the angels make themselves visible and deliver their message. Led by Joanna, they all rush back into the city and eventually find their way to John’s house. Meanwhile John and Peter (followed shortly by Mary Magdalene) have set off for the tomb by the Gennath Gate, and they see the empty tomb. As they return home, Mary Magdalene lingers behind, weeping. She sees the angels in the tomb and then Jesus appears to her. Then she returns to John’s house.

As morning comes into full bloom with a risen sun, Mary, wife of Clopas, and Salome set off for Bethany to tell the good news to the nine disciples there. On the way they too are met by Jesus. Clopas and his companion set out for Emmaus. Jesus makes himself known at the midday meal.

Sometime during the afternoon Jesus appears to Peter. The nine other apostles (less Thomas) come in from Bethany and gather with the others in the upper room. Clopas and his companion return from Emmaus and join them. Jesus appears to all who have gathered in the upper room. It was a fascinating and busy day for Jesus and his disciples!