What is the meaning of John 20:20? After He had said this • The words just spoken were, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). • Jesus’ declaration of peace fulfills His earlier promise: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). • Peace here is not a vague sentiment; it is the settled, covenant wholeness made possible by His completed work on the cross (Colossians 1:20). • The timing matters. Peace is announced immediately after the Resurrection, demonstrating that the work is finished (John 19:30) and the disciples now stand on the victorious side of the empty tomb. He showed them His hands and His side • Jesus offers tangible proof of His bodily resurrection. This is no apparition or vision; it is the same crucified Lord now physically alive (Luke 24:39-40). • The scars remain as eternal testimony that salvation was bought with real blood (Revelation 5:6). • By inviting inspection, Jesus removes every doubt and equips His followers to bear eyewitness testimony (Acts 1:3). • The physicality underscores the promise of our own bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). The disciples rejoiced • Grief is instantly reversed, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction: “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20-22). • Joy springs from assurance—their Teacher is not defeated but triumphant (Psalm 30:5). • This joy fuels mission. Moments later He will commission them, and a joyful heart is essential for bold witness (Nehemiah 8:10; Acts 13:52). • Their rejoicing also models the believer’s ongoing response to the risen Christ (1 Peter 1:8-9). When they saw the Lord • Seeing is believing, yet the sight leads to worship, not mere verification (Matthew 28:17). • The title “Lord” affirms His deity and authority (Philippians 2:11). • Their personal encounter transforms fear into fearless proclamation (Acts 2:32; 4:13). • Though we have not seen Him physically, we share the same blessing Jesus pronounces a few verses later: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). summary John 20:20 records the pivotal moment when the risen Jesus replaces panic with peace, doubt with evidence, sorrow with joy, and fear with faith. The physical scars guarantee the finished work of the cross; the disciples’ rejoicing previews the believer’s lasting hope. Seeing the Lord changes everything—and His living presence continues to do so for all who believe. |
    |