Berean Study Bible The ResurrectionSunday followed the Jewish Sabbath and became the day Christians gathered in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection. His rising marked the beginning of the new creation and the fulfillment of the new covenant. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… while it was still dark, Mary came before dawn, while grief and uncertainty still surrounded Jesus’ death. The darkness, symbolizing confusion and fear, formed a fitting contrast to the light of the resurrection soon revealed. Psa 30:5 For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime.… Mary Magdalene went to the tomb Mary had faithfully followed and supported Jesus during His ministry and remained devoted to Him after His crucifixion. Her arrival at the tomb placed her among the first to discover that death had not held Him. Mrk 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene,… and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. The heavy stone normally secured a burial tomb against disturbance. Its removal showed that the tomb had been opened and prepared the way for the evidence of Jesus’ bodily resurrection. Mat 28:2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake… So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. Mary Magdalene hurried from the empty tomb to report what she had seen. She went to Peter, recognized among the disciples as a leading figure, and to John, the disciple especially identified with Jesus’ love in this Gospel. Her urgency reflects the alarm and uncertainty caused by the open tomb. Jhn 21:20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved… “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, Mary did not yet understand that Jesus had risen. Seeing the tomb empty, she concluded that someone had removed His body. Even in her confusion, she called Him “the Lord,” expressing her devotion and recognition of His authority. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… “and we do not know where they have put Him!” Mary’s use of “we” indicates that other women had been involved in visiting the tomb. The disciples and Jesus’ followers initially faced the empty tomb without understanding its meaning, but their confusion would soon give way to the certainty that He had risen. Luk 24:23 but they did not find His body. They came and… Then Peter and the other disciple Peter and John responded immediately to Mary Magdalene’s report. Peter’s prominence among the apostles and John’s close relationship with Jesus make their presence especially significant. Together they would become early witnesses to the empty tomb and later leaders in the church. Jhn 18:15-16 Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus.… set out Their quick departure reflects the urgency of the report and their need to see what had happened. Though they did not yet understand the full meaning of the resurrection, they acted on the news they had received. Luk 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning… for the tomb. Jesus had been buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s new tomb near the place of crucifixion. Its emptiness would provide direct evidence that His body was no longer there, preparing Peter and John for the reality of His resurrection. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… The two were running together, Peter and the other disciple hurried from Jerusalem to the tomb after hearing Mary Magdalene’s report. Their response shows the importance they gave to the news that Jesus’ body was no longer there. Gen 22:6-8 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering… but the other disciple outran Peter The other disciple, understood to be John, arrived first. His personal recollection preserves the eyewitness character of the account while distinguishing his actions from Peter’s. 2Sa 18:23 “No matter what, I want to run!” he replied.… and reached the tomb first. John’s arrival began the disciples’ direct investigation of the empty tomb. What they found would confirm that Jesus had risen bodily, as He had foretold. Mrk 16:2 Very early on the first day of the week,… He bent down and looked in John reached the tomb first and stooped to see through its low entrance. His careful examination shows that he was not relying on rumor but observing the scene himself. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… at the linen cloths lying there, The burial wrappings remained inside the tomb, evidence that Jesus’ body had not been removed by thieves. Their presence pointed instead to His bodily resurrection. Jhn 19:40 So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it… but he did not go in. John paused at the entrance, while Peter soon entered first. The empty tomb and the orderly burial cloths would lead John from uncertainty to belief. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… Simon Peter arrived just after him. Peter followed John to the tomb with urgency after hearing Mary Magdalene’s report. Though John arrived first, Peter went on to investigate more closely, reflecting his prominent role among the disciples during the confusion of resurrection morning. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… He entered the tomb Peter stepped into the rock-cut burial chamber where Jesus had been laid after the crucifixion. He confronted the evidence of the empty tomb firsthand, finding that Jesus’ body was no longer there. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… and saw the linen cloths lying there. The burial wrappings remained in the tomb, showing that the body had not been removed hurriedly by thieves. Jesus had risen bodily, leaving behind the grave clothes that had bound Him in death. Jhn 19:40 So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it… The cloth that had been around Jesus’ head A separate burial cloth covered the head, in keeping with Jewish burial practice. Its presence confirms that Jesus had truly been buried in the tomb after His crucifixion. Jhn 11:44 The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet… was rolled up, The cloth had been deliberately arranged rather than abandoned in confusion. The orderly condition of the burial materials contradicts the idea that the body had been stolen. 2Ki 2:8 And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up,… lying separate from the linen cloths. The head cloth remained apart from the linen wrappings that had covered Jesus’ body. What the disciples found testified that the tomb had not been disturbed by robbers but had been left by the risen Lord. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, John arrived ahead of Peter but remained outside until Peter entered. His restraint allowed Peter to take the lead while John waited at the entrance. Jhn 18:15 Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus.… also went in. After Peter entered, John followed him into the burial chamber. The linen cloths remained behind, showing that Jesus’ body had not been hastily removed or stolen. Mrk 16:5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man… And he saw and believed. Seeing the empty tomb and the orderly grave clothes, John believed that Jesus had risen. Though the disciples had not yet fully understood the Scriptures concerning the resurrection, John began to recognize that Jesus’ words had been fulfilled. Jhn 11:45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary,… For they still did not understand Peter and John had seen the empty tomb, yet they had not grasped that Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s settled plan. Jhn 12:16 At first His disciples did not understand these things… from the Scripture The Old Testament had foretold that God’s Messiah would suffer, die, and live again, but the disciples had not yet connected those promises to what had happened to Jesus. Luk 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,… that Jesus had to rise from the dead. His resurrection was necessary to fulfill God’s purpose, confirm His victory over death, and establish the salvation He accomplished for His people. Act 17:3 “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,”…
Jesus Appears to Mary MagdalenePeter and John, having seen the empty tomb and the grave clothes, left the burial site still seeking to understand what had happened. Mat 28:16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee,… returned Their departure marked the end of their immediate investigation, though the resurrection had not yet been fully understood by them. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… to their homes. They went back to where they were staying in Jerusalem, while Mary Magdalene remained near the tomb and soon encountered the risen Jesus. Jhn 16:32 Look, an hour is coming and has already come…… But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. Mary Magdalene remained near the burial place after Peter and John had departed, overwhelmed by the apparent loss of Jesus’ body. Her grief reflects the sorrow of those who had watched His crucifixion and believed their hopes had been shattered. Her presence also places her among the first witnesses of the risen Christ. Jhn 11:31 When the Jews who were in the house consoling Mary… And as she wept, Her continued mourning shows that she had not yet understood the resurrection. The empty tomb had raised questions rather than brought comfort, and she remained focused on what she believed had been taken from her. Luk 23:27 A great number of people followed Him, including women… she bent down to look into the tomb, The low entrance of a rock-cut tomb required her to stoop and look inside. In doing so, Mary moved from grief into direct encounter with the evidence of the resurrection, soon seeing the angels and then Jesus Himself. Luk 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.… and she saw two angels in white Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb and saw two heavenly messengers, whose white garments reflected the holiness and glory of God. Their presence confirmed that the empty tomb was not the result of human action but of God’s intervention. Luk 24:4 While they were puzzling over this, two men… sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, The angels sat within the burial place where Jesus’ crucified body had been placed. The location emphasized the reality of His death, burial, and bodily resurrection: the tomb was empty because He had risen. Mat 28:6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!… one at the head and the other at the feet. Their positions marked the place where Jesus had lain and recalled the cherubim over the mercy seat. His resurrection completed the atoning work for which He had died, turning the place of death into a witness to life. Exo 25:19-20 one cherub on one end and one on the other… “Woman, why are you weeping?” Two angels, seated where Jesus’ body had lain, addressed Mary with a respectful form of address. Their question drew out the cause of her grief and prepared her for the unexpected reality that Jesus had risen. Luk 8:52 Meanwhile, everyone was weeping and mourning for her.… they asked. The angels’ presence at the tomb marked the event as God’s work. They did not ask because they lacked knowledge, but because Mary needed to recognize that the empty tomb had a meaning beyond the loss she feared. Luk 24:5-6 As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror… “Because they have taken my Lord away,” Mary’s words reveal her continued devotion to Jesus and her belief that someone had removed His body. Though she had heard His promises concerning His resurrection, she did not yet understand that He had conquered death. Mat 28:13 His disciples came by night and stole Him away… she said, Her reply reflects the sorrow and confusion of one who came to mourn but found the tomb empty. She remained focused on locating His body rather than expecting to see Him alive. 1Sa 1:15-16 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman troubled… “and I do not know where they have put Him.” Mary assumed Jesus had been moved, perhaps by those responsible for the burial place or by grave robbers. The empty tomb, however, was not evidence of theft but the first visible sign that Jesus had risen as He had foretold. Luk 24:23 but they did not find His body. They came and… When she had said this, Mary had told the angels that she did not know where Jesus’ body had been taken. Her words reveal the sorrow and confusion that still gripped her as she remained near the tomb. Jhn 11:28 After Martha had said this, she went back… she turned around Her attention shifted from the angels inside the tomb to someone standing behind her. Rev 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.… and saw Jesus standing there. Jesus had risen bodily from the dead and now appeared to Mary outside the tomb, showing that death had not overcome Him. Act 7:56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man”… But she did not recognize that it was Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief and expecting only to find His body, Mary did not yet realize that the man before her was her risen Lord. Jhn 21:4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore,… “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus gently confronts Mary’s grief at the empty tomb. Though she has heard reports of His resurrection, sorrow still fills her heart because she believes His body has been taken. Luk 7:13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her… Jesus asked. Mary does not recognize the risen Jesus, even as He stands before her. His question begins to draw her from confusion toward the truth of what has happened. Mrk 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked.… “Whom are you seeking?” Mary is searching for the crucified Jesus, expecting to find His body. She does not yet understand that He has risen bodily from the dead. Jhn 18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward… Thinking He was the gardener, she said, In the garden near the tomb, Mary mistakes Jesus for someone tending the place. Her failure to recognize Him shows how unexpected the resurrection was to His followers. Jhn 19:41 Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified… “Sir, if you have carried Him off, Mary assumes that someone has removed Jesus’ body. Her words reveal both her distress and her steadfast devotion to Him. Mat 28:13 His disciples came by night and stole Him away… tell me where you have put Him, She wants to care for Jesus’ body and give Him proper honor, despite the danger and difficulty involved. Jhn 11:34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,”… and I will get Him.” Mary is prepared to act alone to recover Him. Her grief will soon give way to joy when Jesus calls her by name and reveals that He is alive. Luk 24:1-3 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning… Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Jesus’ personal call ended Mary Magdalene’s grief and confusion as she recognized the risen Lord standing before her outside the tomb. Jhn 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen… She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” Mary responded with immediate recognition and reverence, addressing Jesus as “Rabboni,” an Aramaic term meaning “my Teacher” or “Master.” Her encounter confirms that the resurrection was bodily and personal, not merely a vision or spiritual impression. Mrk 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked.… (which means “Teacher”). Jesus remained the same Lord Mary had followed before His crucifixion, now risen in victory over death; “Rabboni” means Teacher. Jhn 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?”… “Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, Mary had recognized the risen Jesus and was holding Him. He did not reject her devotion but directed her not to remain fixed on His earthly presence; the Greek word can mean “to hold on to” or “to touch.” Mat 28:9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”… “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. His resurrection was followed by a period of appearances before His visible ascension. His return to the Father would mark the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted work on behalf of His people. Jhn 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world.… But go and tell My brothers, The disciples, though they had fled and failed Him, were now called His brothers. Mary was sent as the first witness to announce His resurrection to them. Mat 28:10 “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers…”… ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, Through Christ’s death and resurrection, His followers are brought into a true relationship with God as their Father. Jesus shares this privilege with them while preserving His unique relationship as the eternal Son. Jhn 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so,… to My God and your God.’” As the incarnate Son, Jesus speaks in willing submission to the Father. His words assure the disciples that the God who raised Him is now their God through Him. Psa 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;… Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, Mary, who had remained near the cross and returned to the tomb, became the first recorded witness of the risen Jesus. Though women’s testimony was often discounted in that culture, the Lord entrusted her with the news of His resurrection. Mrk 16:10 She went and told those who had been with Him,… “I have seen the Lord!” Her report was not based on rumor or expectation but on a personal encounter with Jesus, whom she recognized after He called her by name. Her grief gave way to certainty as she carried the news to the disciples. Luk 24:34 The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon… And she told them what He had said to her. Mary faithfully delivered both the fact of Christ’s resurrection and His message concerning His return to the Father. Her witness marked the beginning of the disciples’ proclamation that Jesus had truly risen from the dead. Mrk 16:7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead…
Jesus Appears to the DisciplesSunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead, became the regular day of Christian gathering and came to be known as the Lord’s Day. His resurrection on the third day confirmed all He had foretold concerning His death and victory over it. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… and that very evening, The risen Christ did not delay in revealing Himself to His followers. Within hours of the empty tomb being discovered, grief and confusion began to give way to the certainty that He was alive. Luk 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is… while the disciples were together The disciples had gathered in the wake of the crucifixion, united by sorrow, uncertainty, and concern for what might follow. Their gathering foreshadowed the fellowship of the church formed after the resurrection. Act 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together… with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, They feared the Jewish authorities who had sought Jesus’ death and might also move against His followers. The secured room underscores that Jesus’ entrance was not ordinary; no barrier prevented the risen Lord from appearing among them. Jhn 7:13 Yet no one would speak publicly about Him… Jesus came and stood among them. Jesus appeared bodily and personally before His disciples, demonstrating that He had truly risen. His presence turned their fear into assurance and prepared them to become His witnesses. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… “Peace be with you!” He said to them. Jesus greeted them with the peace secured through His death and resurrection. Their guilt, fear, and confusion were answered by the presence of the One who had conquered sin and death. Jhn 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.… After He had said this, Jesus had spoken peace to the disciples on the evening of His resurrection. Though they were gathered behind locked doors in fear of the Jewish authorities, His presence brought assurance that His death had not ended His mission. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… He showed them His hands and His side. The visible wounds identified Him as the same Jesus who had been crucified. His resurrection was bodily and real, not merely a vision or spiritual appearance. The marks of His suffering confirmed both His sacrifice and His victory over death. Luk 24:39-40 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself.… The disciples rejoiced Their fear gave way to joy as Jesus’ promise that their sorrow would turn to joy was fulfilled. The risen Lord’s presence replaced confusion and grief with certainty and hope. Luk 24:41 While they were still in disbelief, He asked them… when they saw the Lord. They recognized Jesus as their risen Master and Lord. This appearance strengthened them for the work He would soon entrust to them. Luk 24:34 The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon… Again Jesus said to them, Jesus addressed the disciples a second time as they remained gathered behind locked doors after His resurrection. His repeated words calmed their fear and prepared them for the responsibility He was about to give them. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… “Peace be with you. The risen Christ brought assurance to men shaken by His death and uncertain about the future. His peace, shalom, brought reconciliation, assurance, and wholeness through His victory over sin and death and their restored fellowship with Him. Jhn 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.… As the Father has sent Me, Jesus had come from the Father to reveal God, proclaim the truth, and accomplish redemption through His obedient sacrifice. His ministry was carried out under the Father’s authority and according to the Father’s purpose. Jhn 17:18 As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them… so also I am sending you.” Jesus now commissioned His disciples to continue His work as His witnesses. They would proclaim the gospel and represent Him in the world, carrying His message under His authority and through the power He would provide. Mat 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,… When He had said this, Jesus appeared to the disciples on the evening of His resurrection, after showing them His hands and side, assuring them of peace, and sending them as the Father had sent Him. Jhn 17:18 As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them… He breathed on them His action recalls God giving life to Adam and points to the new life Jesus gives through His resurrection. The disciples were being prepared and set apart for the work entrusted to them. Gen 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground… and said, His words joined His visible act, declaring His authority to equip those He had chosen. Act 1:4-5 And while they were gathered together, He commanded them:… “Receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus imparted the Spirit’s presence and power for their mission. This anticipated the fuller public outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the disciples would be empowered to bear witness to the risen Christ. Luk 24:49 And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you.… If you forgive anyone his sins, Jesus commissioned His disciples after His resurrection and gave them the Holy Spirit for their work. They were authorized to declare God’s forgiveness to those who repent and believe in Christ, acting as His appointed witnesses rather than exercising authority apart from Him. Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.… they are forgiven; Forgiveness comes from God through the saving work of Christ. The disciples’ proclamation of forgiveness carried divine authority because it faithfully announced the gospel Christ entrusted to them. Act 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you,… if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, They were also responsible to recognize unrepentant sin and to refuse false assurances of forgiveness. This authority included guarding the holiness of the believing community and calling sinners to repentance. Eph 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another,… it is withheld.” Those who remain in unbelief and rebellion remain under the guilt of sin. The purpose of withholding forgiveness is not condemnation for its own sake, but a truthful acknowledgment of a person’s need to repent and receive God’s mercy. Mat 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses,…
Jesus Appears to ThomasThomas, whose name Didymus means “twin,” was one of Jesus’ original apostles. Though later remembered for his refusal to believe the resurrection without personal evidence, he had already shown strong devotion to Jesus and willingness to suffer with Him. Jhn 11:16 Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples,… one of the Twelve, He belonged to the apostolic band chosen by Jesus to witness His ministry, death, and resurrection and to serve as foundational leaders of the early church. Mat 10:3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector… was not with the disciples when Jesus came. Thomas missed the risen Lord’s first appearance to the gathered disciples, including His words of peace, His commission, and His gift of the Holy Spirit. His absence prepared the way for Christ’s later personal appearance to him. Luk 24:36-43 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” The disciples spoke from direct experience: the crucified Jesus had appeared alive to them. Their witness rested on what they had seen and heard, confirming that His resurrection was a real event and the foundation of their message. Luk 24:34 The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon… But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. He would not accept their report without evidence that the risen Jesus was the same Lord who had been crucified. The wounds in His hands identified Him as the One who had truly suffered and died. Luk 24:39-40 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself.… and put my finger where the nails have been, Thomas demanded personal, physical confirmation. His words show that Jesus’ resurrection body was not an illusion or a merely spiritual appearance, but the body of the crucified Lord raised from the dead. Luk 24:39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself.… and put my hand into His side, The wound in Jesus’ side came from the soldier’s spear at the crucifixion. For Thomas, it would provide unmistakable proof of Jesus’ identity and of the reality of His death and resurrection. Jhn 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear,… I will never believe.” Thomas’s refusal prepared the way for Jesus’ later appearance and his confession, “My Lord and my God.” The account records both the seriousness of Thomas’s doubt and the patience of Jesus, who gave him the evidence he demanded while calling all who believe without seeing blessed. Luk 24:11 But their words seemed like nonsense to them,… Eight days later, “Eight days later” uses inclusive counting, placing this gathering on the following Sunday. The disciples’ continued meeting on the first day of the week reflects the resurrection’s central place in the early church. Luk 9:28 About eight days after Jesus had said these things,… His disciples were once again inside The disciples were likely gathered in the same room where they had previously met for safety and fellowship. Luk 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.… with the doors locked, The locked doors indicate that the disciples remained concerned about opposition from the Jewish authorities. Act 5:23 We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted… and Thomas was with them. Having missed Jesus’ earlier appearance, Thomas was now present after insisting that he needed to see and touch the wounds of the risen Lord. Jhn 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael… Jesus came and stood among them Though the doors were secured, Jesus came and stood among them, revealing the transformed nature of His resurrected body. His appearance confirmed that He had truly risen bodily from the dead. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… and said, “Peace be with you.” His familiar greeting calmed their fears and declared the peace secured through His victory over sin and death. Jdg 6:23 But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you.… Then Jesus said to Thomas, Eight days after appearing to the other disciples, the risen Jesus again stood among them. He addressed Thomas personally, showing that He knew the disciple’s earlier refusal to believe without seeing the wounds of crucifixion. Luk 24:36-37 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Jesus’ resurrected body still bore the nail marks, confirming that the same Jesus who was crucified had risen bodily from the dead. His appearance was not a vision or a different person, but the living Christ who had suffered on the cross. Luk 24:39-40 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself.… Reach out your hand and put it into My side. The wound in His side came from the spear thrust after His death. Jesus offered Thomas direct evidence that He had truly died and had now risen in a real, physical body. Jhn 19:34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear,… Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus confronted Thomas’s unbelief and called him to trust the testimony before him. Thomas’s response would soon become one of the clearest confessions of Jesus’ identity: “My Lord and my God.” Jas 1:6-8 But he must ask in faith, without doubting… Thomas replied, Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, had refused to believe the reports of the other disciples unless he saw Jesus’ wounds for himself. When the risen Christ appeared and invited him to examine the evidence, Thomas’s doubt gave way to faith. Mat 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ… “My Lord and my God!” Thomas openly confessed Jesus as both his sovereign Lord and God. His response recognizes that the crucified and risen Jesus possesses divine identity and authority. This confession stands as a central testimony to the bodily resurrection and to Jesus’ true nature as the Son of God. Psa 35:23 Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause,… Jesus said to him, Jesus addressed Thomas directly after appearing to the disciples in Jerusalem following His resurrection. Thomas had refused to believe the reports of the others unless he saw the wounds from the crucifixion for himself. Jhn 4:50 “Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.”… “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; Having been invited to examine the evidence of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, Thomas confessed Jesus as “My Lord and my God.” His faith was grounded in the reality that the crucified Jesus had risen physically from the dead. Jhn 2:23 While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,… blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus extended this blessing to all who would believe the apostolic witness without seeing Him in person. Their faith rests on the reliable testimony of those who saw the risen Christ and proclaimed His resurrection. 1Pe 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;…
The Purpose of John’s BookJohn records selected miracles, not all that Jesus did. His signs revealed His divine authority and identified Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. They included works over creation, sickness, demons, and death. Jhn 12:37 Although Jesus had performed so many signs… in the presence of His disciples, The disciples witnessed Jesus’ works firsthand throughout His ministry. Their testimony provided reliable evidence of what He said and did, preparing them to proclaim the risen Christ after His ascension. Act 1:3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them… which are not written in this book. John did not intend to provide a complete record of Jesus’ ministry. He chose events that clearly reveal Jesus’ identity and lead readers to believe in Him. Jhn 21:25 There are many more things that Jesus did.… But these are written John selected the signs, teachings, and events in his Gospel to present a true and purposeful witness to Jesus’ identity and work. Jhn 21:24-25 This is the disciple who testifies to these things.… so that you may believe The account calls its readers to place genuine faith in Jesus, not merely to recognize the historical events He performed. 1Jn 5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name… that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Anointed One, the anointed King sent by God to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Jhn 1:41 He first found his brother Simon and told him,… the Son of God, He is uniquely one with the Father and possesses divine authority, revealed in His words, works, death, and resurrection. Jhn 1:34 I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” and that by believing Faith receives Jesus as He has revealed Himself to be and rests on Him for salvation. Jhn 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son… you may have life Those who believe receive eternal life: reconciliation with God beginning in the present and continuing forever. 1Jn 5:11-12 And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life,… in His name. Life is found only through Jesus Christ and His saving authority; His name represents His character and authority. Jhn 1:12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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