Mary came to the tomb in sadness: she returned in gladness.  She had expected to sprinkle embalming spices on a dead body, but was distraught that the body was missing (John 20:11-15).  Then she met the risen Jesus and her whole outlook changed (John 20:16-17).  Going back to the sad, confused and anxious disciples, Mary radiated joy, certainty and hope.
 
Her greeting was simple, “I have seen the Lord!”  She then unpacked the events of the morning, describing her encounter with Jesus in detail.  What was she doing?  She was witnessing.  Her account was not fantasy (what she would have liked to happen – because the narrative shows that the resurrection of Jesus was not in her mind at all), nor was it embellished (the narrative makes Mary look faithless and foolish).  She simply told the truth with joy.
 
Witnessing about Jesus is not complicated.  It is not a theological lecture but rather a personal account in which someone, whose life has been changed by Jesus, tells somebody else what has happened.  Sometimes that testimony is spontaneous, unable to stop telling others the good news (Acts 4:20); sometimes it is in response to a question (1 Peter 3:15); and sometimes it is an obedient act of mission (Luke 10:2-3).  Witnessing is not to make us look good but to explain that Jesus is totally amazing.

But the essence of true witness is always the same – simply telling that what Jesus has done for you.  And by implication, He can do for others.  Satan may try to shut us up, the world may try to hold us back, and fear may try to stop us saying that it was Jesus who has changed us.  But the Holy Spirit will give us joy and power (Acts 1:8).  So do not keep silent, your encounter with Jesus is the news that some others are longing to hear.