The Early Bird (Or Worm?): Pinpointing the Moment Jesus Rose
If you’ve ever found yourself at an Easter brunch, pausing between bites of deviled eggs to ask, “Wait, when did Jesus actually rise?”—congratulations, you’re in excellent (if slightly confused) company. The answer, as with many things in history, is a masterclass in ambiguity, hope, and—if you’re Mary Magdalene—a bit of mistaken identity.
Christian tradition firmly states that the resurrection of Jesus took place on the third day after his crucifixion, which puts it on a Sunday morning. The Gospel accounts, ever the masters of suspense, tell us that Mary Magdalene and friends arrived at the tomb “while it was still dark” (John 20:1) or “at dawn” (Matthew 28:1). So, was Jesus an early riser? Did he set his alarm for the crack of dawn, or was it more of a midnight cameo? Scholars and popes alike have mused over this, but the one reliable constant is that by the time the sun was making an appearance, the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty—the world’s first surprise party, minus the balloons.
The Art of Rising: A Portrait of Mary Magdalene’s Astonishment
If history had Instagram, Mary Magdalene would have posted a blurry selfie with #RisenSavior, #WhoNeedsSleep, and #HeLives. But instead, artists and theologians have tried endlessly to capture the sheer shock and awe of the moment. Enter Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” which may or may not be an artistic imagining of Mary Magdalene at the precise moment she recognized the resurrected Jesus—a theory enthusiastically promoted by some scholars, although Vermeer’s lack of official commentary has left the art world delightfully divided.
Imagine Mary, post three days of sorrow, turning to see her old friend—who she thinks is the gardener (classic mix-up)—and then realizing it’s Jesus, very much alive and apparently fresh out of grave clothes. The moment is so iconic that it inspired centuries of devotion, some weepy paintings, and possibly even fashion trends (giant pearls, anyone?). The emotional whiplash in that garden, according to Christian tradition, is not just spiritual—it’s also wildly relatable. Who among us hasn’t panicked when mistaking someone for a Starbucks barista only to discover it’s our boss?
Resurrection: Fact, Faith, and Eternal Hope With a Dash of Humor
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, and as Pope Leo XIV reminded us, it’s “not an idea, a theory, but the event that is the foundation of faith.” Yet, if you ask a random group of Christians to explain how or when it happened, you’ll get answers nearly as varied as Easter egg dye techniques.
Some view the resurrection as an ancient historical event. Others see it as an event that continues spiritually, echoing through every moment of hope and renewal—even inspiring podcasts like “Risen Motherhood,” which spent years reminding mothers that their joy, identity, and ability to survive temper tantrums rests more on Christ’s living presence than on perfect sleep schedules. Pope Leo puts it best: “To believe truly […] means revolutionizing our lives, being transformed in order to transform the world with the gentle and courageous power of Christian hope.”
So, what does Easter morning mean in practice? It’s less about the timestamp and more about what changed. The resurrection became the ultimate cosmic plot twist: grief gives way to astonishment, failure to forgiveness, and death to new life. Churches around the world, not content with a single calendar day, try to relive the moment again and again, from sunrise services to dramatic re-enactments—including some where someone dresses up as a very confused gardener (shout-out to Mary Magdalene’s sense of humor).
The Search Continues: From Ancient Tombs to Daily Life
Despite centuries of scholarly effort, no one has yet invented a time machine to check exactly when Jesus rose. (If you’re working on one, please let the Pope know—he might want to attend.) Instead, Christians around the globe choose to encounter the resurrection anew every day. As recent popes have suggested, “Prayer, silence, and listening” are the keys—though a bit of caffeine doesn’t hurt when attending sunrise services.
And yes, our modern worries—from whether we’re using the right baby formula to how to keep up with our influencer neighbors—are pretty distant from the concerns of first-century Jerusalem. Yet, as “Risen Motherhood” proved, the living hope of the resurrection is just as fresh for tired parents as it was for Mary in the garden. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or pondering eternity, the empty tomb is a promise that even the messiest Monday can be transformed by new life.
So When Did Jesus Rise? Cue the Drum Roll
Was it midnight? Predawn? The world’s first sunrise? The precise answer remains shrouded in holy mystery—and a dash of comedic suspense. What is certain is that by the time Mary Magdalene tiptoed to the tomb, baskets in hand and hope hanging by a thread, history did a backflip. Jesus had risen, hope had dawned, and brunch would never be the same.
Yes, the resurrection is an ancient event. But its true timing, if we’re being honest, is now—every time we laugh, every time we wonder, every time we’re surprised by grace. After all, only a God who appreciates good timing (and probably a good joke) would stage history’s greatest comeback while everyone else was still confused by gardening tools.
So next Easter, as you’re juggling baskets, chocolate, and questions about timing, remember: the exact moment may remain elusive, but the joy and hope of the risen Jesus keep showing up, right on time.
