John 20:20-24 is about the disciples finding peace and joy in seeing the resurrected Jesus, and Thomas experiencing doubt until he physically sees and touches Jesus, serving as a reminder of the importance of faith and belief in the face of uncertainty.
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.
Setting the Scene for John 20:20-24
The scene in John chapter 20 takes place in a room where the disciples had gathered after the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples were filled with fear and confusion after the crucifixion, unsure of what the future held for them. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them, even though the doors were locked, and greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you.”
In this particular moment referenced in John 20:20-24, Thomas, one of the disciples, was not present when Jesus first appeared to them. When the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, he expressed doubt and said he would only believe if he could see and touch the wounds of Jesus. A week later, Jesus appeared again in the same room, and this time Thomas was present. Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds, leading Thomas to exclaim, “My Lord and my God!”
The room where this scene unfolded was likely a simple, dimly lit space with a table and some chairs where the disciples gathered for safety and comfort. The atmosphere would have been tense with a mix of disbelief, awe, and hope as the disciples grappled with the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The presence of Jesus in their midst brought a sense of peace and reassurance, dispelling their doubts and fears.
What is John 20:20-24 about?
Isn’t it mind-blowing to think about the powerful moment when Jesus, after His resurrection, showed His disciples the scars on His hands and side? Jesus was not only confirming His identity but also displaying the depth of His love and sacrifice for humanity by revealing His wounds. It’s like a visual representation of His journey to overcome sin and death for us all.
This act of showing His wounds serves as a powerful reminder of the price Jesus paid for our salvation. It is a symbol of His victory over death and sin and a demonstration of His unwavering commitment to us. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging and embracing our own scars and imperfections, knowing that they can be transformed by the love and grace of Jesus. Jesus invites us to draw near to Him, to trust in His victory, and to find healing and restoration in His presence by showing His wounds.
Understanding what John 20:20-24 really means
After Jesus’ resurrection, in a moment of profound significance, He appears to His gathered disciples, revealing His hands and side as tangible proof of His identity and the reality of His victory over death. This act not only fulfills His promise but also serves as a physical reminder of His sacrificial love. The disciples’ initial fear and doubt are transformed into overwhelming joy upon seeing the risen Lord, highlighting the powerful impact of witnessing Christ’s resurrection on their faith and assurance. Jesus’ greeting of “Peace be with you” goes beyond a mere salutation; it declares the peace that stems from His triumph over death and sin, a peace that surpasses human understanding and circumstances.
In Luke 24:36-39, a parallel account, Jesus emphasizes the physicality of His resurrection by showing His wounds to the disciples, reinforcing the reality of His victory over death. Philippians 4:7 echoes Jesus’ message of peace, promising a divine peace that guards believers’ hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies about Jesus’ sacrificial death, linking His wounds to the peace and healing brought to humanity. These passages collectively emphasize the profound implications of Jesus’ resurrection and the peace He offers to His followers.
Today, amidst a world fraught with uncertainty and fear, the resurrection of Jesus stands as the foundation of Christian faith, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. The peace that Jesus extends transcends worldly troubles, providing comfort and strength to those who trust in Him. Just as physical scars can serve as reminders of survival and strength after a traumatic experience, Jesus’ wounds symbolize His triumph over death and His unwavering love for humanity. In a modern context, a soldier’s return from war with visible scars reassures loved ones of their survival and sacrifices, mirroring how Jesus’ wounds reassured His disciples of His resurrection and mission fulfillment.
In conclusion, John 20:20-24 serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the enduring peace He offers to His followers. It prompts believers to find joy and assurance in the risen Christ, even amidst life’s challenges and uncertainties. The physical evidence of Jesus’ wounds stands as a testament to His love and sacrifice, instilling hope and strength in all who place their faith in Him.
How can we cultivate a deeper faith in Jesus?
To cultivate a deeper faith in Jesus, it is essential to believe in the reality of His resurrection. We can strengthen our faith in Jesus as the Son of God who overcame death by understanding and internalizing the significance of His resurrection. The disciples’ reaction to seeing the resurrected Jesus for the first time exemplifies this deepened faith, moving them from fear and doubt to belief and joy. Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”” upon seeing Jesus, our faith can be similarly reinforced by acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Furthermore, cultivating a deeper faith in Jesus involves surrendering our doubts and fears to Him. Like Thomas who doubted until he physically touched Jesus’ wounds, we may struggle with uncertainties or questions at times. However, by surrendering these doubts to Jesus and allowing Him to reveal Himself to us, our faith can be strengthened and deepened. It is through a continuous process of seeking, trusting, and surrendering that our relationship with Jesus grows, leading to a more profound faith in Him.
Application
Think of Christ’s presence like the Wi-Fi that keeps your digital world connected. His sacrifice is the ultimate upgrade that transformed our lives. Let this verse be the notification that reminds you to share His love and salvation with your network. Are you ready to step out in faith, like hitting ‘Send’ on an important message, and spread the good news?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.