JOHN 20: In Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15, Paul presents Jesus as the "last Adam"; the covenant head of a race who would be as faithful and obedient as the first Adam was unfaithful and disobedient.
John's account of Jesus' resurrection bears a striking resemblance to the Garden scene in Genesis 2-3, with one striking dissimilarity. In John 20 we have a garden setting, a man who (albeit mistakenly) is referred to as a "gardener." And we have a woman (Mary Magdalene.) A garden, a man and a woman. Sound familiar?
But here is the striking difference. Mary is no un-fallen Eve. Mary at best was simply a former demoniac. And at worst, she was a grossly immoral woman as well. So Jesus, the last and faithful Adam begins where the first and unfaithful Adam left off by a faithful "do-over" of the man/woman/garden scenario. And note that Mary's checkered past is a glorious indication that Christ's bride (the Church) is not lovely to begin with. But rather, a bride to be made lovely by the selfless love of her husband (Ephesians 5:22-32). No wonder they call it "The Good News."
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