John 20:19-28 is about the disciples’ encounter with the risen Jesus, exploring themes of doubt, faith, and the importance of physical proof in strengthening belief.
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!”
Setting the Scene for John 20:19-28
In John chapter 20, we find the scene where the disciples are gathered together in a room, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. The disciples present in this scene include Thomas, who was not with them when Jesus first appeared to them after His resurrection. The atmosphere in the room is tense and filled with uncertainty as the disciples grapple with the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion and the rumors of His resurrection.
Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, despite the locked doors, and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.” The disciples are overjoyed to see their beloved teacher alive again. However, Thomas is not present at this moment, and when he later hears about Jesus’ appearance, he expresses doubt, stating that he will only believe if he sees and touches the wounds on Jesus’ body. This sets the stage for the famous encounter where Jesus appears again to the disciples, including Thomas, and invites him to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!”
The room where this scene unfolds is likely a simple dwelling, dimly lit by oil lamps, with a table at the center where the disciples may have been gathered. The emotions in the room range from fear and doubt to awe and wonder as the disciples come face to face with the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. This pivotal moment solidifies their faith and sets the stage for their future mission to spread the good news of the gospel to the world.
What is John 20:19-28 about?
This verse highlights the importance of faith and belief in something beyond what the eyes can see. Thomas serves as a reminder that doubt is a natural part of faith and that sometimes we need tangible evidence to strengthen our beliefs. It also shows the human side of the disciples, that they too had doubts and moments of uncertainty, despite witnessing many miracles and teachings from Jesus.
Have you ever experienced doubt in your beliefs or faith, like Thomas did? How did you overcome that doubt? This verse encourages us to seek understanding and evidence to strengthen our faith, but also to remember that belief requires trust in the unseen. It reminds us that even the most faithful may have their moments of uncertainty, and that it’s okay to seek reassurance and clarity in our beliefs. Thomas ultimately teaches us that we can develop a deeper, more steadfast faith by confronting and overcoming doubt.
Understanding what John 20:19-28 really means
After the resurrection of Jesus, in a room where the disciples had gathered, a sense of fear and uncertainty loomed over them. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them, offering a profound greeting, “Peace be with you,” a message that transcended their anxious hearts. By showing them His hands and side, Jesus provided tangible proof of His resurrection, solidifying their faith and affirming His victory over death. This act of revealing His wounds was not just a display of physical evidence but a reassurance of His identity and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again.
In commissioning His disciples with the words, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” Jesus bestowed upon them a significant purpose and mission. This commission was not merely a task but a calling to continue the work He had begun, spreading the message of hope and salvation. Furthermore, Jesus breathed upon them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” marking a pivotal moment where He empowered them for the journey ahead, equipping them with divine guidance and strength for their mission.
The encounter with Thomas, who initially doubted Jesus’ resurrection, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faith. Jesus’ direct address to Thomas, urging him to “Stop doubting and believe,” emphasizes the necessity of unwavering faith in the face of doubt. This interaction highlights the transformative power of belief and the reassurance that comes from trusting in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
In today’s world, where uncertainty and fear often grip hearts, the message of peace that Jesus offers remains relevant. Just as the disciples found solace in His presence, individuals today can find comfort in knowing that Jesus’ peace surpasses all understanding. The proof of Jesus’ resurrection not only anchors the Christian faith but also serves as a beacon of hope, assuring believers of eternal life and victory over death. Moreover, the commissioning of the disciples underscores the significance of purpose and mission in the lives of believers, urging them to continue spreading the message of Christ’s love and redemption.
Imagine someone facing a crisis, stumbling upon this passage, and being enveloped by the words, “Peace be with you.” In that moment, amidst turmoil and despair, they find a sense of calm and purpose, realizing that their identity is rooted in Christ. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength, guiding them through challenges with unwavering faith and courage. This anecdote illustrates the transformative impact of encountering Jesus’ presence, peace, and purpose in the midst of life’s storms.
In conclusion, the narrative in John 20:19-28 serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ enduring presence, His gift of peace, and the profound purpose He bestows upon His followers. It calls believers to trust in the reality of His resurrection, embrace their mission with zeal, and rely on the empowering guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus reassured His disciples in their moment of uncertainty, His words continue to resonate today, offering hope, purpose, and strength to all who believe.
What must I see and touch to believe?
To believe, you must touch and see the evidence of Jesus’ physical resurrection. You may be seeking tangible proof of the truth before you can fully trust, just as Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus’ wounds to believe. Like Thomas, who went on to declare Jesus as his Lord and his God upon seeing and touching the risen Christ, your belief may be solidified through experiencing the reality of Jesus’ resurrection in a personal and physical way. You may also long for a tangible manifestation of God’s presence and power, just as Thomas was invited to touch and see the physical evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. God knows our needs and meets us where we are, even if we require physical proof to believe. However, true faith ultimately transcends physical evidence and is a gift from God that goes beyond what can be seen and touched. Trusting in the unseen and believing in the resurrection power of Jesus can bring about a profound transformation in your heart and mind.
Application
Just like juggling demands at work and home, when doubt creeps in, we’re called to embrace the peace Christ offers. Remember how Thomas needed to see and touch to believe? We, too, have those moments. Seek the truth, connect with Christ, and let His presence fuel your faith and confidence. Will you push through your doubts today and find strength in Christ?
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.