John Chapter 20

Understanding John Chapter 20: The Resurrection and Belief

John chapter 20 narrates the pivotal event of the Gospel of John: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which validates His identity as the Son of God and fulfills His promises. This chapter recounts the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus’ appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, and the commissioning of His followers. It culminates with the purpose of the gospel, emphasizing belief in Jesus for eternal life. Set in Jerusalem on the first day of the week after Passover, the chapter radiates hope and calls for faith. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for scriptural references, this article explores John 20, breaking it into key sections and providing cross-references to deepen its meaning.

C

ontext and Setting

John chapter 20 follows the crucifixion and burial of Jesus (John 19), occurring on the first day of the week (Sunday) after His death during Passover. The events take place in and around Jerusalem, primarily at the tomb in a garden and a room where the disciples gather. The resurrection fulfills Jesus’ predictions (John 2:19-21) and Old Testament prophecies, transforming the disciples’ fear into joy. John’s purpose is explicitly stated in this chapter: to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that readers may believe and have life in His name (John 20:31, ESV).

Key Sections and Themes

1. The Empty Tomb Discovered (John 20:1-10)

Early on the first day, while still dark, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and finds the stone rolled away (John 20:1). She runs to tell Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved (likely John), saying, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him” (John 20:2, ESV). Peter and John race to the tomb; John arrives first but waits, while Peter enters, seeing the linen cloths and the face cloth folded separately (John 20:3-7). John enters, sees, and believes, though they do not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise (John 20:8-9). They return home (John 20:10).

Cross-References:

Significance: The empty tomb is the first evidence of Jesus’ resurrection, fulfilling His promise to rise (John 2:19). The folded face cloth suggests an orderly departure, not theft. John’s belief, despite incomplete understanding, models faith based on evidence, while the reference to Scripture underscores prophetic fulfillment.

2. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)

Mary remains at the tomb, weeping, and looks inside, seeing two angels who ask why she weeps (John 20:11-13). Turning, she sees Jesus but mistakes Him for the gardener, asking, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him” (John 20:15, ESV). Jesus calls her name, “Mary,” and she recognizes Him, saying, “Rabboni!” (Teacher; John 20:16, ESV). Jesus says, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’” (John 20:17, ESV). Mary reports to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower, highlights His personal care and the privilege of women in proclaiming the resurrection. His instruction not to cling suggests a new phase of relationship post-resurrection, focused on His ascension. Mary’s testimony makes her a key witness, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to share the good news.

3. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)

That evening, the disciples gather behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus appears, saying, “Peace be with you,” and shows His hands and side, prompting joy (John 20:19-20, ESV). He repeats, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21, ESV). Breathing on them, He says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld” (John 20:22-23, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ appearance transforms the disciples’ fear into joy, confirming His resurrection. The gift of the Spirit empowers their mission, possibly a preliminary bestowal before Pentecost. The authority to forgive or withhold sins reflects their role in proclaiming the gospel, where acceptance or rejection determines forgiveness (Acts 13:38-39). The sending echoes Jesus’ own mission, commissioning disciples to continue His work.

4. Thomas Believes and the Gospel’s Purpose (John 20:24-31)

Thomas, absent during Jesus’ first appearance, doubts, saying, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails… I will never believe” (John 20:25, ESV). Eight days later, Jesus appears again, saying, “Peace be with you,” and invites Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands… Do not disbelieve, but believe” (John 20:26-27, ESV). Thomas confesses, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, ESV). Jesus responds, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29, ESV).

John states the gospel’s purpose: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: Thomas’ doubt and subsequent confession model the journey from skepticism to faith, with his declaration affirming Jesus’ deity. Jesus’ blessing on those who believe without seeing extends to future generations, encouraging faith through testimony. John’s purpose statement encapsulates the gospel’s aim: belief in Jesus as the Messiah for eternal life.

Theological Themes

John 20 weaves together several key themes:

Application for Today

John 20 invites us to believe in the risen Jesus, trusting the evidence of the empty tomb and eyewitness accounts. Mary’s encounter encourages us to seek Jesus personally, sharing His resurrection with others. The disciples’ transformation calls us to receive His peace and Spirit for mission. Thomas’ journey assures us that honest doubt can lead to deeper faith. John’s purpose challenges us to believe in Jesus as the Christ for eternal life. As we reflect, may we confess Him as Lord and God, live as His sent ones, and proclaim His victory.

Conclusion

John chapter 20 reveals Jesus as the risen Lord, whose resurrection transforms fear into joy and doubt into faith. Through the empty tomb, appearances to Mary, the disciples, and Thomas, and the gospel’s purpose, Jesus proves He is the Christ. As we study John 20, may we believe in the Son of God, receive His Spirit, and find life in His name.