The gospel of John | Week 13 – RESURRECTION AND COMMISSION
Week’s Passage John 20
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Empty Tomb
The Romans used crucifixion to punish slaves, criminals, and traitors, and Jesus’ crucifixion stemmed from a charge of treason. For Jews, crucifixion was cursed (Deuteronomy 21:23) and never became a symbol of martyrdom. However, Jesus’ resurrection redefined the cross as a symbol of victory and affirmed His kingship.
John highlights the resurrection through three accounts (John 20) showing the disciples’ gradual understanding of Jesus’ death and promises. Unique details like Mary Magdalene’s conversation and Thomas’ encounter underscore their role as witnesses to His mission.
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Encountering the Risen Lord
Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb and told Peter and John, who saw the linen cloths and began to believe, though they didn’t fully understand the resurrection. Mary, weeping alone, encountered Jesus but mistook Him for the gardener until He called her by name. Jesus then sent her to share the good news with the disciples, making her the first witness of His resurrection.
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Jesus and the Disciples
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were gathered in fear. Despite locked doors, He entered and greeted them with peace, addressing their fears and commissioning them with the Holy Spirit (John 20:19–22). Thomas, absent at the first meeting, doubted their reports and demanded physical evidence.
A week later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch His wounds. Moved by grace, Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28), the Gospel’s strongest statement of Jesus’ identity. John emphasized that faith doesn’t require seeing Christ, as his Gospel aims to strengthen belief in all readers.
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The Story Continue
In John 21, Jesus appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. After a night of failed fishing, they obeyed His instructions and caught a large haul, symbolizing His grace. Onshore, He shared a meal with them, showing their work is an extension of His.
Jesus restored Peter by addressing his prior denial, commissioning him for ministry, and hinting at his martyrdom. When Peter asked about John’s future, Jesus emphasized focusing on personal faithfulness. John concluded with a call to discipleship, reminding believers to follow Jesus and bear witness.
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The Witnesses
Mary, grieving at the tomb, mistook Jesus for a gardener until He called her by name, filling her with joy.
The disciples were entrusted with proclaiming Christ’s mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit for their sacred work.
Peter was reminded to focus on his own calling, while John, living to old age, faithfully emphasized love in his testimony.
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- What would you say to someone who feels that the resurrection couldn’t have happened because miracles can’t happen?
- What’s the significance of the resurrected Jesus choosing to appear first to Mary Magdalene rather than to Peter, John, Caiaphas, Pilate, or someone else?
- How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus first visited them after the resurrection? (John 20:19, 20; Luke 24:36–39.) How did Jesus address their concerns?
- How patient was Jesus with His unbelieving disciples? (John 20:25–29.) How does Jesus relate to us when we struggle with doubt?
