John 20 documents the discovery of the empty tomb and the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate victory over death. It articulates the intimate restoration of Mary Magdalene and the commissioning of the disciples through the giving of the Holy Spirit. This chapter concludes with the transition of 'Doubting Thomas' into a believer, providing the blueprint for all future faith: 'Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.'
v1-10: The Empty Tomb: Peter and John's Race
v11-18: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
v19-23: Jesus Appears to the Disciples and Breathes the Spirit
v24-31: Thomas’ Doubt and the Purpose of the Gospel
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Join the first witnesses of the resurrection and move from sorrow and doubt to a confession of 'My Lord and my God.' Begin your study with john 20 summary.
When Jesus breathed on the disciples, He was performing a prophetic act that mirrored God breathing life into Adam in Genesis, signifying the 'New Life' of the Spirit. The Word Secret is Enēphusēsen, meaning 'He breathed into,' used only here in the New Testament to signal a new spiritual beginning. Discover the riches with john 20 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.
Unlock the hidden john 20 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.
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