What does John 20:1 mean?

Days prior to this moment, Jesus was brutally maimed, crucified, and buried in a borrowed crypt (John 19:33–34, 38–42). In his typical style, John skips over details which other gospel writers include. Jesus burial was witnessed by some of the women who followed Him (Matthew 27:61). The tomb, itself, was marked and guarded to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and inventing a phony resurrection (Matthew 27:62–66). Jesus' burial was hasty since He died as a Sabbath day was approaching (John 19:42). Nicodemus and Joseph made rough preparations (John 19:39–40), but Jesus' followers intended to come later and give His body a thorough, respectful treatment.

Only a few events in the four gospels are tied to an explicit day of the week. This scene occurs on a Sunday, prior to dawn. What is discovered on this day is the reason followers of Jesus began to meet and worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Mary Magdalene was healed by Jesus from demonic possession (Luke 8:2). She is clearly loyal to Christ during His ministry, being one of the few friends to witness His execution (John 19:25). Despite secular conspiracy theories, there is no evidence Mary had any more complex relationship with Jesus other than that. Her inclusion here is still extraordinary, in the context of ancient literature and religion. In that era, women were dismissed as both morally and mentally inferior to men. However, it will be women who first witness proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.