John 20:1-29 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Thomas’s doubts being dispelled when he sees Jesus after his resurrection, emphasizing the importance of faith in believing in Jesus as the Son of God.
1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.
12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.
13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”
14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
17 Jesus said to her, “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.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Setting the Scene for John 20:1-29
The scene in John chapter 20 opens with Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb of Jesus early in the morning while it was still dark. She had come to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, but upon reaching the tomb, she found the stone rolled away. Distressed and assuming that someone had taken the body of Jesus, she ran to tell Peter and John about the empty tomb.
Peter and John, upon hearing Mary’s news, immediately set out for the tomb. They ran together, with John outrunning Peter and reaching the tomb first. As they entered the tomb, they found the linen cloths that had been wrapped around Jesus’ body lying there, but the body was not there. The disciples were puzzled and did not yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. This scene sets the stage for the disciples’ initial confusion and disbelief at the resurrection of Jesus.
What is John 20:1-29 about?
This verse from the Bible narrates one of the most significant moments in Christian faith – Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. This event not only solidified Jesus’ divinity and power over death but also served as a pivotal moment in the disciples’ journey of faith. The inclusion of doubting Thomas in this encounter highlights the theme of doubt and belief. Thomas expressed his disbelief until he could physically touch the wounds of Jesus. Jesus’ response to Thomas demonstrates his compassion and understanding of human doubts, while also encouraging faith without the need for physical proof. We reflect on this verse, prompting us to consider the nature of faith and how doubt is not antithetical to belief but rather a natural part of our spiritual journey. Jesus’ grace and acceptance of Thomas despite his doubts remind us that our doubts are acknowledged and met with understanding by a loving God. This encounter also calls us to examine how we navigate our own doubts and seek ways to deepen our faith in the midst of uncertainty. We may find reassurance in our relationship with God, even in moments of doubt and questioning, just as Jesus reassured Thomas.
Understanding what John 20:1-29 really means
In John 20:1-29, we delve into the profound account of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. This pivotal moment in Christian faith marks the triumph over death and the fulfillment of prophecies, underlining the core belief in the resurrection as a cornerstone of Christianity. The resurrection not only validates Jesus’ divinity but also offers believers hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.
As we explore verses 1-2, we witness Mary Magdalene’s visit to the tomb in the early hours, symbolically “while it was still dark.” This darkness signifies the world’s state before Christ’s resurrection, with the empty tomb representing the dawn of a new era, where light overcomes darkness. The absence of the stone points to the miraculous nature of Jesus’ resurrection, echoing parallel accounts in Matthew and Mark, reinforcing the authenticity of this pivotal event.
Moving on to verses 3-10, we encounter Peter and John’s reactions to the empty tomb. John’s immediate belief contrasts with Peter’s astonishment, as seen in Luke 24:12. This disparity highlights the varied responses to encountering the resurrected Christ, illustrating the journey from doubt to faith that many believers undergo when confronted with the miraculous.
In verses 11-18, the intimate exchange between Jesus and Mary Magdalene underscores the significance of personal encounters with Christ. Mary’s recognition of Jesus upon hearing her name emphasizes the importance of knowing His voice, echoing the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10:3-4. This interaction serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of recognizing Jesus in our lives.
As Jesus appears to the disciples in verses 19-23, His greeting of “Peace be with you” carries profound significance. This message of peace transcends worldly understanding and foreshadows the gift of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus in John 14:27. In a world plagued by turmoil and unrest, Jesus’ offer of peace remains a beacon of hope and comfort for believers.
The encounter between Jesus and Thomas in verses 24-29 highlights the theme of faith without physical evidence. Thomas’s initial doubt gives way to profound belief, as Jesus blesses those who have faith without seeing Him. This notion of faith as confidence in the unseen, as described in Hebrews 11:1, resonates with believers today, encouraging them to trust in the unseen realities of God’s promises.
In today’s context, the story of Thomas serves as a poignant reminder for modern believers grappling with doubt, showcasing the transformative power of faith. Personal encounters with Jesus, akin to Mary Magdalene’s experience, offer believers a tangible connection to their faith, inspiring them to seek intimate relationships with Christ. Amidst the chaos of the world, Jesus’ message of peace remains a source of solace and strength, guiding believers through turbulent times.
In conclusion, the narrative in John 20:1-29 invites readers to reflect on their own faith journey, encouraging them to seek personal encounters with Jesus and find peace and assurance in their belief. As we ponder the profound truths embedded in these verses, may we be inspired to deepen our faith, embrace the unseen realities of God’s promises, and walk in the light of Christ’s resurrection.
How can we experience peace in the midst of doubts?
We can experience peace in the midst of doubts by remembering the example of Thomas in the passage from John 20:1-29. Thomas initially struggled with doubts about Jesus’ resurrection, but once he encountered the risen Christ and saw the wounds in His hands and side, his doubts were replaced with faith. This reminds us that it is okay to have doubts and questions, but ultimately, seeking a personal encounter with Christ can bring us peace and strengthen our faith.
Furthermore, we can find peace in the midst of doubts by seeking the truth through prayer, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers. We can find reassurance and clarity in times of uncertainty by immersing ourselves in the teachings of Jesus and the testimony of those who have encountered Him personally. God invites us to bring our doubts and fears to Him in prayer and trust that He will guide us towards a deeper understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. A willingness to surrender our questions and uncertainties to God, trusting in His sovereignty and faithfulness, ultimately requires experiencing peace in the midst of doubts. We can have confidence that God will meet us where we are and provide the assurance and peace we seek, just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt and offered him the proof he needed. We can find comfort and strength even in the midst of our doubts by keeping our hearts and minds focused on Christ.
Application
Think of your faith like your job: something that pushes you to new heights every day. Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate promotion—victory over death and a new beginning. Just as you would share a career milestone with family, share this divine truth boldly. Live your faith fully, just like you parent with love and dedication. Are you ready to walk in the light and share His love?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.