Introduction: John 20 records the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His death is very important and sad, but the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. In John 20, we see the events that unfolded after Jesus’ resurrection, it carries us from the empty tomb to His appearances to His disciples. This chapter gives us clear evidence that Jesus is indeed alive and that His resurrection changes everything for those who believe in Him. The foundation of the believers faith is the fact that Jesus lives today, if we didn’t have that hope, we would be as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:19, above all men most miserable.
I. The Empty Tomb (John 20:1-10)
Mary Magdalene discovers that the stone has been rolled away from the tomb and the body of Jesus is missing. She runs to tell Peter and John, who then run to the tomb. They find the linen cloths that had covered Jesus’ body, but He is not there. This fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 16:10 that God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption. In Matthew 28:2-4, an angel explains to the women that Jesus has risen from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15:4, Paul states that Jesus was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
II. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
Mary Magdalene stays at the tomb weeping. She sees two angels who ask her why she is crying. Then, she turns and sees Jesus but does not recognize Him until He calls her by name. Jesus tells her to go and tell the disciples that He is alive. This shows that Jesus cares for each of His followers individually, just as He cared for Mary. In Matthew 28:9-10, Jesus also appears to the other women and gives them a similar message. In Mark 16:9, it is recorded that Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection.
III. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)
Jesus appears to the disciples who are hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. He shows them His hands and side and gives them the Holy Spirit. He also gives them the authority to forgive sins. This fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 that they will look on Him whom they have pierced. In Luke 24:36-49, Jesus appears to the disciples and shows them His wounds. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.
IV. Jesus Appears to Thomas (John 20:24-29)
Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus first appeared to them. He refuses to believe that Jesus is alive until he sees the wounds in His hands and side. Jesus appears to Thomas and invites him to touch His wounds. Thomas believes and declares Jesus as his Lord and God. This shows that Jesus is patient with our doubts and wants us to have a personal encounter with Him. In Mark 16:14, Jesus appears to the disciples as they are eating and rebukes them for their unbelief. In 1 Peter 1:8-9, Peter writes that even though we have not seen Jesus, we can still believe in Him and have joy.
V. The Purpose of John’s Gospel (John 20:30-31)
John writes that he has recorded these events so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name. This is the ultimate purpose of the Gospel of John – to lead people to faith in Jesus. In Romans 10:9, Paul writes that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. In 1 John 5:13, John writes that he has written so that believers may know that they have eternal life.
Conclusion: John 20 gives the believer clear and precise evidence of Jesus’ resurrection and the impact it has on those who follow Him. From the empty tomb to His appearances to His disciples, we see that Jesus is alive and that He cares for each of us personally, and desires a personal relationship with each of us. This chapter encourages us to have faith in Jesus, to receive the Holy Spirit, and to experience the new life that He offers. Brethren, let us hold onto the truth that Jesus is our risen Lord and Savior.
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