Dawn of the Resurrection: Doubt, Faith and the Risen Christ

John 20 ushers in the victory of the resurrection, turning mourning into joy, doubt into faith, and fear into courage. This chapter underscores that Jesus, through His resurrection, inaugurated a new era of life, not just life after death, but a life of wholeness, purpose, and hope, that begins now and extends into eternity. It encourages us to move beyond the boundaries of doubt and fear, to embrace the new life that Jesus offers.

Verses 1-10: The Empty Tomb

Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene discovers that the stone has been removed from the tomb's entrance. She informs Simon Peter and John, who rush to the tomb. John outruns Peter, sees the burial linens, and waits outside. Peter arrives, enters the tomb, and sees the linens and the face cloth, which was folded neatly. John enters, sees, and believes, despite not yet understanding the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.

Verses 11-18: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Mary stays outside the tomb, weeping, and sees two angels. They ask her why she weeps, and she responds that someone has taken away Jesus' body. Turning around, she sees Jesus but does not recognize Him until He calls her name. Jesus tells her not to cling to Him, as He has not yet ascended to the Father. Instead, He instructs her to tell His disciples of His impending ascension.

Verses 19-23: Jesus Appears to His Disciples

On the evening of the same day, Jesus appears to His disciples, who had locked themselves in for fear of the Jews. He shows them His hands and side, gives them peace, and commissions them to continue His work, breathing on them and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

Verses 24-29: Jesus and Thomas

Thomas, who was not present when Jesus first appeared, refuses to believe until he can see and touch Jesus' wounds. Eight days later, Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas believes and confesses Jesus as "my Lord and my God."

Verses 30-31: The Purpose of John's Gospel

John concludes by stating that while Jesus did many other signs, the ones recorded in the Gospel are there so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, have life in His name.

John 20 presents the momentous event of Jesus' resurrection, marking a new dawn of hope and victory over death. This chapter recounts the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, the appearances of Jesus to His disciples, and the journey from doubt to faith for Thomas, one of the disciples. It also underlines the eyewitness testimony that forms the basis of the Gospel.

Resurrection and New Life
Faith and Doubt
Appearances of the Risen Christ
The Commission of the Disciples
Eyewitness TestimonyThe empty tomb
The appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene
Jesus appears to His disciples
Jesus and Thomas
The purpose of John's GospelMary Magdalene
Simon Peter
John, the disciple whom Jesus loved
Jesus Christ
Thomas, the disciple
The other disciplesThe tomb
The place where the disciples gathered

1. How does the resurrection narrative in John 20 deepen your understanding of the Gospel?

2. What can we learn about faith from Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus?

3. How does Jesus' interaction with His disciples help us understand His mission for us today?

4. Why do you think Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus, and what does his story teach us about faith and doubt?

5. How can you relate to Thomas' need for tangible proof in your own faith journey?

6. How does Jesus' commission to His disciples relate to our calling as Christians in the world today?

7. What is the significance of Jesus showing His wounds to His disciples after His resurrection?

8. How does John 20 address the theme of faith, especially in difficult or doubtful situations?

9. What lessons can we draw from John's purpose in writing his Gospel?

10. What does it mean for you personally to have "life in His name" as John 20:31 suggests?

11. How does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope to your current circumstances?

12. In what ways does Jesus' peace, as He offered His disciples, speak to your life today?

13. How does the transformation of the disciples from fear to boldness inspire you?

14. How does understanding Jesus' resurrection influence your view of death and eternal life?

15. How can you carry the message of Jesus' resurrection and life to those around you in your daily life?

16. What steps can you take when you're in a 'Thomas moment' of doubt in your life?

17. How does Jesus' command to Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him impact your understanding of change and growth in spiritual life?

18. In what ways can you apply the teachings of this chapter in dealing with fear, doubt, and uncertainty in your life?

19. What change does the revelation of the resurrected Jesus bring to your life, similar to how it changed the lives of the disciples?

20. How can you practically embody the commission Jesus gives to His disciples in your personal and community life?