St Mary Magdalene

John's Gospel resurrection narrative reports that St Mary Magdalene did not recognize that it was Jesus.  Who did she think it was that was standing before her?  

She thought he was a gardener.   She didn't presume he was a robber or a mourner because it was too early in the morning.  The gardener would certainly have been aware if someone had disturbed the tomb.  She thought he was a gardener.  

Interesting, the word "gardener" in the Greek "kepouros" is mentioned only one time in the New Testament.  Being mentioned only once may mean that it is used deliberately and has a special purpose.

One biblical commentator suggests that since the burial clothing were still left in the empty tomb, it's possible that the clothing of gardener was the only accessible clothing for the Lord.  

Perhaps that is why St. Mary Magdalene thought he was a gardener.  Also, remember it was very early in the morning, at the break of dawn when Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, so it was still dark.

 

The word kepouros may have been used deliberately by the Gospel Evangelist John, pointing to the fact that it was a garden.  The Garden of Eden was present in the Creation Story.  In a sense, Christ is here the new Adam and the new creation (resurrection) begins with him in this garden.