The Resurrection 1Early on the first day of the week,a while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7The clothb that had been around Jesus’ head was rolled up, lying separate from the linen cloths. 8Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed. 9For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 10Then the disciples returned to their homes. 11But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, 12and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13“Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.” 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not recognize that it was Jesus. 15“Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew,c “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her. Jesus Appears to the Disciples 19It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. 20After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” 22When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” Jesus Appears to Thomas 24Now Thomas called Didymus,d one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” 26Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Purpose of John’s Book 30Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may believee that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. Footnotes: 1 a Literally Now on the first of the Sabbaths, early, 7 b Greek soudarion 16 c Or in Aramaic 24 d Didymus means the twin. 31 e Or may continue to believe Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 20 Summary The ResurrectionVerses 1–10 – The Empty Tomb Verses 11–18 – Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Verses 19–23 – Jesus Appears to the Disciples Verses 24–29 – Jesus and Thomas Verses 30–31 – Purpose of the Gospel 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. Historical Setting and Timing • All events take place in Jerusalem during the Passover festival (John 19:14). • “The first day of the week” (v. 1, v. 19) corresponds to Sunday, after the Sabbath rest. • Jewish burials occurred quickly; the sealed tomb was nearby (John 19:41-42). Persons Involved • Mary Magdalene: delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), devoted follower. • “The other disciple, whom Jesus loved”: traditionally understood as John. • Peter: the impulsive leader who had denied Jesus only days earlier. • Thomas (Didymus, “Twin”): honest skeptic who becomes a model of convinced faith. Jewish Burial Customs and the Linen Cloths • Bodies were wrapped in strips of linen mixed with spices (John 19:39-40). • The “cloth that had been around Jesus’ head” (v. 7) was rolled separately, indicating a deliberate, orderly departure rather than grave robbery. • Psalm 16:10 had promised God’s Holy One would not see decay; the still-neat wrappings visually reinforced that promise. The Stone and the Tomb • Typical first-century tombs were carved into limestone, closed by a disk-shaped stone weighing 1–2 tons. • Archaeological studies at sites like the Garden Tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre show similar rolling stones and burial chambers that match the Gospel descriptions. • Matthew 28:2 records an angel moving the stone, emphasizing divine action. Women as Earliest Witnesses • In first-century Jewish culture, women’s testimony carried little legal weight, yet all four Gospels report them as primary witnesses—an unlikely invention if the account were fabricated. • This echoes God’s pattern of choosing the humble (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Angelic Presence • Two angels in white sit where the body had been (v. 12), reminiscent of the cherubim over the mercy seat in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:18-22), framing the empty space where atonement is accomplished. Resurrection Appearances in Scripture • Luke 24, Matthew 28, Mark 16, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 list multiple post-resurrection appearances, confirming bodily reality, not a vision or myth. • Jesus eats (Luke 24:41-43) and allows touch (John 20:27), proving physical resurrection. “Peace Be With You” • The Hebrew greeting “Shalom” conveyed wholeness. Jesus’ repetition (vv. 19, 21, 26) shows that the cross has secured lasting peace between God and humanity (Romans 5:1). Commission and Breathing of the Spirit • “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you” (v. 21) echoes Jesus’ prayer in John 17:18. • His breath (“Receive the Holy Spirit,” v. 22) anticipates the fuller outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2). • Genesis 2:7 portrays God breathing life into Adam; here the Second Adam breathes spiritual life into His followers. Authority to Forgive Sins • Verse 23 parallels Matthew 16:19 and 18:18. The apostles proclaim forgiveness through the gospel; acceptance brings pardon, rejection leaves sin unforgiven. • Acts 10:43: “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” Thomas: From Doubt to Declaration • Thomas’ requirement for evidence (v. 25) reflects human skepticism. • Jesus meets him where he is, turning doubt into the clearest confession of Jesus’ deity in the Gospel: “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). • 1 Peter 1:8 celebrates believers who love Christ without seeing Him. Sunday and Christian Worship • The resurrection on the first day explains the early church’s practice of gathering on “the Lord’s Day” (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10). • Sunday worship honors the completed work of Christ, distinct from the Sabbath. Prophecies Fulfilled • Hosea 6:2 – “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up.” • Isaiah 53:10-11 – The Servant will see His offspring and prolong His days. • Psalm 22:22 – Messiah will declare God’s name to His brethren, fulfilled when Jesus calls His disciples “My brothers” (v. 17). Archaeological Notes • Ossuaries from first-century Judea confirm burial customs narrated in the Gospels. • Roman crucifixion nails and ankle bones discovered at Giv’at ha-Mivtar illustrate the type of wounds Jesus showed (v. 20, 27). • Historians such as Tacitus (Annals 15.44) and Josephus (Antiquities 18.3.3) mention Jesus’ execution, supporting Gospel history. Purpose Statement and Gospel Reliability • John’s stated aim (vv. 30-31) centers on belief leading to life—a theme woven through the book (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47). • The selective signs recorded—water to wine, feeding the 5,000, healing the blind man, raising Lazarus, and the resurrection—progressively reveal Jesus’ identity. Practical Applications • Jesus knows each follower by name; personal encounter turns sorrow to joy (vv. 15-16). • The resurrection replaces fear with peace and purpose (vv. 19-21). • Honest doubts, like Thomas’s, can be resolved through seeking Christ, resulting in deeper faith. • Believers today carry the same mission: proclaim forgiveness in Jesus’ name and live the resurrected life (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). Key Takeaways • The empty tomb and bodily appearances provide historical anchors for faith. • Jesus’ resurrection inaugurates new creation, invites personal relationship, and empowers mission. • John 20 moves from confusion to conviction, showing that believing in the risen Christ brings peace, purpose, and eternal life. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4Paul affirms the resurrection as a foundational truth of the Gospel. Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission parallels Jesus' sending of the disciples in John 20:21. Hebrews 11:1 This verse on faith complements the lesson from Thomas' encounter with Jesus. Romans 10:9 Highlights the importance of confessing and believing in the resurrection for salvation. Teaching Points The Empty TombJohn 20:1-10 describes Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb. This pivotal moment underscores the reality of the resurrection. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him!' (John 20:2). Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene In verses 11-18, Jesus reveals Himself to Mary Magdalene, highlighting the personal nature of His resurrection. Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher) (John 20:16). The Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Peace Jesus appears to His disciples, offering peace and commissioning them. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you' (John 20:21). Doubting Thomas Thomas' initial doubt and subsequent belief serve as a powerful testament to faith. Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed' (John 20:29). Purpose of John's Gospel The chapter concludes with the purpose of the Gospel. But 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). Practical Applications Embrace the ResurrectionLive with the assurance and hope that the resurrection brings, knowing that death has been conquered. Seek Personal Encounters with Jesus Like Mary Magdalene, seek a personal relationship with the risen Christ through prayer and study of His Word. Share the Peace of Christ In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, be a bearer of Christ's peace to those around you. Strengthen Your Faith Use Thomas' account as a reminder to trust in Jesus even when you cannot see Him, and encourage others to do the same. Proclaim the Gospel Recognize the purpose of John's Gospel and commit to sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. People 1. Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalene is the first person mentioned in John 20. She goes to the tomb early on the first day of the week and finds it empty. She is a devoted follower of Jesus, and her encounter with the risen Christ is significant as she is the first to see Him after His resurrection (John 20:1, 11-18). 2. Simon Peter Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is informed by Mary Magdalene about the empty tomb. He runs to the tomb with another disciple to see for himself (John 20:2-6). 3. The Other Disciple (the one Jesus loved) This disciple is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. He accompanies Peter to the tomb and is noted for reaching the tomb first. He sees and believes in the resurrection (John 20:2-8). 4. Jesus Jesus is the central figure in this chapter, having risen from the dead. He appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and later to Thomas, affirming His resurrection and commissioning His followers (John 20:14-29). 5. The Disciples The group of Jesus' followers who are gathered together in a locked room for fear of the Jews. Jesus appears to them, showing them His hands and side, and gives them the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23). 6. Thomas (also called Didymus) Thomas, one of the Twelve, is not present when Jesus first appears to the other disciples. He expresses doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he sees Jesus himself and is invited to touch His wounds, leading to his declaration of faith (John 20:24-28). Places 1. The TombThe chapter begins with Mary Magdalene visiting the tomb where Jesus had been laid. The tomb is described as being empty, which is central to the resurrection narrative. The Greek term used for tomb is "mnēmeion" (μνημεῖον), indicating a place of remembrance or a sepulcher. 2. The Garden While not explicitly named in John 20, the context suggests that the tomb was located in a garden. This is inferred from John 19:41, which states that the tomb was in a garden near the place of crucifixion. The garden setting is significant as it contrasts the death of Jesus with the new life symbolized by the resurrection. 3. The Upper Room The disciples are gathered in a room with locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders. This is where Jesus appears to them after His resurrection. The term "upper room" is not used in John 20, but it is traditionally understood to be the same or similar location as the Last Supper, based on the context of the disciples gathering in a secure place. Events 1. The Empty Tomb (John 20:1-2)Mary Magdalene visits the tomb early on the first day of the week and finds the stone removed. She runs to inform Simon Peter and the other disciple, saying, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him!" 2. Peter and John at the Tomb (John 20:3-10) Peter and the other disciple run to the tomb. The other disciple arrives first, looks in, and sees the linen cloths lying there. Peter enters the tomb and observes the linen cloths and the separate face cloth. The other disciple also enters, sees, and believes, though they do not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. 3. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) Mary stands outside the tomb weeping. She sees two angels in white and then turns to see Jesus, whom she initially does not recognize. Jesus speaks her name, and she recognizes Him, calling Him "Rabboni" (Teacher). Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him and to tell His brothers that He is ascending to the Father. 4. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23) On the evening of the first day of the week, Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, saying, "Peace be with you." He shows them His hands and side, and they rejoice. Jesus breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit," giving them authority to forgive sins. 5. Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29) Thomas, not present at Jesus' first appearance, doubts the resurrection. Eight days later, Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas responds, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 6. Purpose of the Gospel (John 20:30-31) The chapter concludes by stating that Jesus performed many other signs not recorded in the book. The purpose of what is written is "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." Topics 1. The Empty Tomb (John 20:1-10)Mary Magdalene discovers the stone rolled away from the tomb and informs Peter and the beloved disciple. They run to the tomb, find it empty, and see the linen cloths lying there. This event signifies the resurrection of Jesus, fulfilling His prophecy of rising on the third day. The Greek word "ἔγερσις" (egersis) relates to the concept of resurrection or rising. 2. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) Mary Magdalene encounters two angels and then Jesus Himself, whom she initially does not recognize. Jesus calls her by name, and she recognizes Him, calling Him "Rabboni" (Teacher). This appearance emphasizes the personal relationship Jesus has with His followers and the importance of recognizing His voice. 3. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (John 20:19-23) Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, offering them peace and showing His wounds. He breathes on them, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the impartation of the Holy Spirit, empowering the disciples for their mission. The Greek word "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) is used for Spirit, indicating breath or wind. 4. Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29) Thomas, who was not present during Jesus' first appearance, doubts the resurrection until he sees Jesus and His wounds. Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to declare, "My Lord and my God!" This passage highlights the importance of faith and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity. 5. The Purpose of John's Gospel (John 20:30-31) The chapter concludes with a statement of purpose: the signs recorded in the Gospel are written so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name. The Greek word "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) is used for believe, indicating trust and faith. Themes 1. The Resurrection of JesusThe chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb, signifying Jesus' victory over death. "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance" (John 20:1). The Greek word for "resurrection" (ἀνάστασις, anastasis) emphasizes the physical rising of Jesus, affirming His divine power and the fulfillment of prophecy. 2. Faith and Belief The theme of faith is central, as seen in the reactions of the disciples. "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed" (John 20:8). The Greek word for "believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō) underscores trust and conviction in the truth of Jesus' resurrection. 3. The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ highlights the important role of women in the early Christian community. "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)" (John 20:16). This interaction emphasizes the personal relationship and recognition between Jesus and His followers. 4. The Commissioning of the Disciples Jesus appears to His disciples, granting them peace and commissioning them for ministry. "Again Jesus said to them, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you'" (John 20:21). The Greek word for "send" (ἀποστέλλω, apostellō) indicates a mission with authority, paralleling Jesus' own mission from the Father. 5. The Gift of the Holy Spirit Jesus breathes on the disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit. "And with that, He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (John 20:22). The act of breathing (ἐμφυσάω, emphysaō) recalls the creation narrative, symbolizing new life and empowerment for the disciples. 6. Doubt and Assurance Thomas' initial doubt and subsequent confession of faith highlight the journey from skepticism to belief. "Thomas answered Him, 'My Lord and my God!'" (John 20:28). The Greek term for "doubt" (ἀπιστία, apistia) contrasts with the affirmation of Jesus' divine identity, underscoring the importance of personal revelation and conviction. 7. The Purpose of the Gospel The chapter concludes with a statement of purpose for the Gospel of John. "But 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). The Greek word for "life" (ζωή, zōē) signifies eternal life, a central promise of the Christian faith. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could Jesus physically appear in a locked room, as described in John 20:19, if he had a tangible, resurrected body? Bible Study Discussion Questions 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? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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