In John 20, we witness the powerful resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearances to His disciples. This chapter offers profound insights into faith, belief, and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.
John 20 begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb. Despite the darkness, she visits the tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find the stone rolled away. Her immediate reaction is to inform Simon Peter and John, who then rush to the tomb. John, known for his humility, notes his own swiftness in reaching the tomb first. The sight that greets them—folded linen cloths—suggests a scene of careful order, not a hurried theft, pointing towards a miraculous event.
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus is both intimate and revealing. Initially mistaking Him for the gardener, her recognition of Jesus comes when He tenderly calls her by name. This moment underscores the personal relationship Jesus offers, transforming her sorrow into joy and disbelief into faith. Jesus’ instruction to her is significant: “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” This highlights the transitional phase of Jesus’ mission and the necessity for the disciples to embrace the forthcoming role of the Holy Spirit.
The narrative then shifts to Jesus’ appearance to the disciples. Despite locked doors, Jesus stands among them, offering peace and showing His wounds as proof of His identity. His message, “Peace be with you,” reassures them and signifies forgiveness and reconciliation after their abandonment during His crucifixion. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto them, empowering them with the authority to forgive sins and continue His mission.
Thomas’ story is a crucial part of this chapter. His initial doubt, expressed through his demand for physical proof, earns him the moniker “Doubting Thomas.” Jesus’ response to Thomas is compassionate yet corrective, offering the evidence Thomas seeks but also blessing those who believe without seeing. This encounter emphasizes the essence of faith—trusting in the unseen.
John concludes this chapter with a clear purpose statement: these events are recorded so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and through this belief, have life in His name. The chapter reinforces the transformative power of belief and the peace that comes from trusting in Jesus.
As we reflect on John 20, we are reminded of the importance of faith, the personal nature of Jesus’ relationship with His followers, and the mission to share His message of forgiveness and peace. This chapter calls us to move beyond doubt and embrace the peace and purpose that belief in Jesus brings.
