Blog Article: The Power of the Resurrection — Lessons from John 20
Introduction: Why John 20 Still Speaks to Us Today
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant moments in human history. John 20 captures that moment in vivid detail, weaving together fear, confusion, recognition, and ultimately, belief. It’s not just an ancient story—it’s a timeless message about hope, reconciliation, peace, and faith that speaks directly into the uncertainty of modern life. In this chapter, Jesus doesn’t just rise; He redefines what it means to live with faith in the unseen.
The Empty Tomb: More Than Just a Mystery
John 20 opens with Mary Magdalene discovering the stone rolled away from the tomb. Her immediate reaction isn’t one of joy but confusion—”They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb.” Like many of us facing unexplained events, her mind went to the most logical assumption. Peter and John run to the tomb, with John arriving first, peeking in but not entering. Peter, more impulsive, steps in and sees the linen cloths and the face wrapping folded neatly.
This moment wasn’t chaos. The folded cloth suggests intentionality—completion. Some have likened it to a host finishing a meal and folding their napkin: a silent declaration, “It is finished.” This isn’t a robbery; it’s resurrection.
Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Lord
Mary’s grief is palpable. We often forget that she didn’t know what we now believe—her Lord was missing, and hope seemed lost. But when Jesus says her name, “Mary,” everything changes. That simple word cuts through grief and misunderstanding. She recognizes Him not by appearance but by voice and intimacy.
Jesus tells her not to cling to Him because He hasn’t yet ascended. It’s a curious instruction, but it speaks volumes. The resurrection isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Mary is given a mission: to go and tell the disciples. A woman, once an outcast, becomes the first to proclaim the risen Christ.
Peace Behind Locked Doors
Later that evening, the disciples are hiding in fear. Jesus appears, not with judgment, but with peace. “Peace be with you,” He says—not once, but twice. This greeting wasn’t just cultural courtesy; it was restorative. These were the same disciples who fled, who doubted, who denied. Yet Jesus meets them with reconciliation.
He shows His wounds—not to shame, but to prove. This was no illusion or spiritual metaphor. This was real. Then, He breathes on them, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and commissioning them to carry forward the mission: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Thomas: From Doubt to Declaration
Thomas wasn’t there that first evening. When told about Jesus’ appearance, he famously replies that unless he sees and touches the wounds, he won’t believe. Many call him “Doubting Thomas,” but perhaps he represents all of us who’ve wrestled with the unseen.
A week later, Jesus returns and meets Thomas exactly where he is. No condemnation. Just an invitation: “Put your finger here.” Thomas’ response is profound: “My Lord and my God.” Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing, setting the stage for generations of believers who must rely on faith, not sight.
Faith That Transcends Sight
Jesus’ interaction with Thomas is not just about physical evidence; it’s about trust. We often think doubt is the opposite of faith, but doubt can be the soil where faith grows. Jesus doesn’t reject Thomas for his need—He embraces it and then challenges him (and us) to move beyond it.
Faith, then, isn’t about feelings or perfect certainty. It’s about trust in the One who meets us where we are, invites us in, and says, “Peace be with you.”
The Purpose Behind the Story
John ends the chapter with a personal note—he’s writing these things so that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and, by believing, have life in His name. This isn’t a mere historical record; it’s an invitation. The resurrection isn’t just an event to be studied. It’s a truth to be lived.
Living the Resurrection in Today’s World
So what does John 20 mean for us now? It means peace is possible, even when we’re locked in fear. It means we can encounter Jesus in our grief, our questions, and our locked rooms. It means that faith doesn’t require physical proof—just an open heart. And it means that God chooses ordinary people—women like Mary, doubters like Thomas, and deniers like Peter—to proclaim His greatest truth.
In a world filled with skepticism, division, and noise, the message of John 20 is a breath of peace. “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Be sent. Be forgiven. Believe.
Conclusion: Faith, Peace, and the Power of Resurrection
John 20 doesn’t ask us to have perfect faith. It asks us to believe enough to take the next step. Jesus meets us in our confusion, fear, and even resistance. He doesn’t shame—He invites. He doesn’t condemn—He reconciles. The resurrection wasn’t just an ending; it was the launch of a movement powered by peace and fueled by belief.
In your moments of doubt, remember Thomas. In your moments of grief, remember Mary. And in your moments of fear, remember the disciples behind locked doors. Jesus came to all of them, and He comes to us still.
Let that be your peace. Let that be your faith.
