As an expert in religious studies and historical narratives, I can provide an insightful perspective on the question of who discovered that Jesus was not in the tomb. The event in question is central to the Christian faith and is known as the Resurrection, a miraculous event that is said to have occurred three days after Jesus' crucifixion.
According to the New Testament, the Resurrection was foretold in both the Hebrew Scriptures and by Jesus himself. However, the realization that the Resurrection had indeed taken place was a gradual and transformative process for Jesus' followers, particularly the disciples.

Step 1: The Discovery of the Empty Tomb

The discovery that Jesus was not in the tomb is primarily documented in the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a slightly different account of the events, but there are common elements that can be identified.

Mark's Account:
In the Gospel of Mark, it is stated that the tomb was found open by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. These women had come to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices, as was the custom following a burial. Upon arrival, they were met with the unexpected sight of the large stone that sealed the tomb rolled away. The text in Mark 16:1-6 reads:

> "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint him. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb. They asked each other, 'Who will roll the stone away for us from the entrance of the tomb?' But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away." (Mark 16:1-4, NIV)

The women then entered the tomb and discovered that Jesus' body was missing. They were met by an angel who informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead.

Matthew's Account:
In the Gospel of Matthew, the story is similar, but with additional details. Matthew 28:1-8 describes the women's encounter with an angel who was seated on the tomb, and the angel's message of the Resurrection. The angel also instructs the women to tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee.

Luke's Account:
Luke's Gospel also records the women's visit to the tomb, but it includes the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who later recognize the risen Jesus in the breaking of bread.

John's Account:
The Gospel of John provides a unique perspective, focusing on Mary Magdalene's personal experience. In John 20:1-18, Mary discovers the tomb empty and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple (whom tradition identifies as John). They arrive at the tomb, and after they leave, Mary remains outside weeping. It is then that she encounters the risen Jesus, who speaks to her and instructs her to tell the disciples that he is ascending to the Father.

**Step 2: The Significance of the Discovery**

The discovery of the empty tomb was a pivotal moment in the formation of Christianity. It affirmed the belief in Jesus' divinity and his fulfillment of messianic prophecies. The Resurrection is seen as the ultimate proof of Jesus' teachings, demonstrating his power over death and his role as the savior of humanity.

The women who first discovered the empty tomb played a crucial role in this narrative. They were the first witnesses and the first to spread the news of the Resurrection, which is significant given the cultural context of the time where women's testimony was often marginalized. Their accounts were instrumental in the early Christian community's acceptance and proclamation of the Resurrection.

**Step 3: The Aftermath and the Role of the Disciples**

Following the discovery, the disciples, initially in disbelief, gradually came to accept the reality of the Resurrection. This acceptance was not immediate but evolved through a series of encounters with the risen Jesus, as well as the transformative experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The disciples, who had been scattered and fearful after Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, were emboldened by the Resurrection to spread the message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This message became the foundation of the Christian faith and the driving force behind the growth of the early Christian church.

In conclusion, the discovery that Jesus was not in the tomb was made by a group of devoted women followers, and their testimony was foundational to the Christian narrative of the Resurrection. The event marked a profound shift in the disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission and set the stage for the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

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Resurrection had been promised by Scripture and by Jesus. However, only slowly, grudgingly and methodically did the disciples come to see that it had come to pass. According to Mark, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome find that the tomb has been opened.read more >>