John 20

Commentary on John Chapter 20

Overview

John chapter 20 records the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearances to the disciples afterward. It vividly depicts Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb and informing Peter and another disciple, Peter and John running to the tomb to verify, Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene for the first time after His resurrection, and Jesus appearing to the disciples, granting them peace and the Holy Spirit. This chapter testifies to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the core of Christian faith, and shows the journey of faith in encountering the resurrected Lord.

Structure of the Text

John chapter 20 can be divided as follows:

20:1-10: Discovery of the Empty Tomb and the Disciples' Reaction

20:11-18: The Resurrected Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

20:19-23: The Resurrected Jesus Appears to the Disciples, Granting Peace and the Holy Spirit

20:24-29: Jesus Appears to Doubting Thomas

20:30-31: The Purpose of the Gospel's Record

Key Themes

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The most central theme of John chapter 20 is the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb, the testimony of the angels, and the appearances of the resurrected Jesus powerfully attest to this fact.

Gradual Growth in Faith: The text shows the process by which the disciples gradually come to believe, not immediately accepting the resurrection. Mary Magdalene's confusion, Peter and John's running, and Thomas's doubt leading to eventual belief illustrate this.

Encountering the Resurrected Lord: The resurrected Jesus directly appears to Mary Magdalene and the disciples and communes with them. This emphasizes the importance of personally experiencing the resurrected Lord.

Gift of the Holy Spirit and Commissioning: After His resurrection, Jesus bestows the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, grants them the authority to forgive or retain sins, and commissions them to preach the gospel.

Verse-by-Verse Exposition

20:1-10 Discovery of the Empty Tomb and the Disciples' Reaction

20:1: "On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."

Reformed Tradition: The first day of the week is the Lord's Day, symbolizing that Christ's resurrection replaces the Old Testament Sabbath and marks the beginning of new creation. The phrase "while it was still dark" shows the glory of the resurrection overcoming darkness. Mary Magdalene, out of deep love for Jesus, was the first to visit the tomb.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Mary Magdalene's being the first to visit the tomb demonstrates her devotion and love. "While it was still dark" indicates that the wondrous event of the resurrection began in the darkness of the world.

Lutheran Tradition: Mary Magdalene's journey to the tomb before the darkness lifted on the morning of the resurrection shows her zeal. The stone being rolled away is the first evidence of the resurrection.

Baptist Tradition: Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark symbolizes the resurrection power overcoming the darkness of the world. The empty tomb is decisive evidence of the resurrection.

Anglican Tradition: "The first day of the week" signifies the Lord's Day, the day of the resurrection, heralding a new beginning for Christian faith. Mary Magdalene's action is an expression of her fervent love for the resurrected Lord.

20:2: "So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.'"

Reformed Tradition: Peter and John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) running to the tomb shows their eagerness to confirm the truth upon hearing the news of the resurrection. Their different reactions (John arriving first, Peter following and entering) reflect their individual personalities and stages of faith.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Peter and John running to the tomb demonstrates their deep interest in the resurrection event and their effort to ascertain the truth.

Greek Exegesis: 'Running' (τρεχουσιν, trechousin) indicates urgency and zeal.

Baptist Tradition: Peter and John running to the tomb shows their zeal to confirm the truth of the resurrection. This represents faith overcoming doubt and moving towards truth.

20:3-4: "Then Peter also came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded together in a place by itself."

Reformed Tradition: John arriving before Peter could reflect his youth and special relationship with Jesus. However, he waited for Peter out of respect. Seeing the linen cloths laid there suggests that Jesus' body was not stolen but that He rose on His own accord.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: John arriving first but not entering shows respect for Peter and order. The neatly folded linen cloths suggest that Jesus' resurrection was not a chaotic theft.

Anglican Tradition: John arriving first but not entering shows respect for Peter. This demonstrates an attitude of respecting leadership and order.

20:5-7: "And when Simon Peter arrived, he went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and again, the face cloth that had been around Jesus' head was not with the linen cloths but folded separately in another place. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed."

Reformed Tradition: Peter entered the tomb and, seeing the linen cloths and face cloth neatly arranged, faith began to sprout. John entered afterward and believed. This shows the gradual growth of faith. The separate folding of the face cloth indicates that Jesus' resurrection was an orderly and complete event.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Peter's entering and seeing the linen cloths and face cloth neatly arranged shows that Jesus' resurrection occurred calmly and orderly. John believed upon seeing this evidence.

Lutheran Tradition: The sight of the neatly arranged linen cloths and face cloth is evidence showing the victory of the resurrected Christ.

Greek Exegesis: 'Believed' (ἐπίστευσεν, episteusen) signifies not merely accepting the fact but a conviction of Jesus' resurrection.

20:8-10: "Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes."

Reformed Tradition: The disciples' not understanding the Scripture shows that although the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus' resurrection, they had not yet grasped it. Faith grows through revelation and understanding.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: The fact that the disciples did not understand the Scripture shows human limitations and suggests that the truth would be understood through the illumination of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection.

Baptist Tradition: The disciples' not understanding the Scripture shows that the resurrection event was an unexpected and astonishing occurrence for them. However, they eventually came to believe.

20:11-18 The Resurrected Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

20:11-13: "But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white robes sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' She said to them, 'They have taken my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.'"

Reformed Tradition: Mary Magdalene's tears show her deep sorrow and love for Jesus. The angels, as witnesses of the resurrection, announce that Jesus' body was not stolen but that Jesus had risen. Mary was still looking for Jesus' physical presence.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Mary's tears demonstrate her deep affection for Jesus. The angels, as God's messengers announcing the resurrection, comfort Mary's sorrow and reveal the truth.

Anglican Tradition: Mary's weeping signifies her sorrow over Jesus' death, but it soon turns to joy in encountering the resurrected Lord. The angels play a crucial role as witnesses of the resurrection.

20:14-16: "Having said this, she turned back and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.'"

Reformed Tradition: Mary's not recognizing Jesus could be due to the glorious transformation of Jesus' resurrected body and her own sorrow and confusion. When Jesus called her name (20:16), she finally recognized Him. This shows that Jesus is the Shepherd who knows His sheep and calls them by name.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Mary's not recognizing Jesus was due to the transformed body of the resurrected One and her sorrow. When Jesus called her name, she finally recognized Him. This shows the intimate relationship where Jesus knows His people and calls them by name.

Baptist Tradition: The resurrected Jesus appeared to Mary, but she did not recognize Him. This shows the mystery of the resurrected body and the limitations of human perception. When Jesus called her name, she finally recognized Him.

20:17: "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)."

Reformed Tradition: Mary calling Jesus "Rabboni" signifies her confession of Him not only as Teacher but also as God with divine authority. This clearly reveals Jesus' divinity.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Mary's confession of "Rabboni" shows the climax of her faith and deep reverence for Jesus. She confesses Him as her Master and her God.

Greek Exegesis: 'Rabboni' (ραββουνι, rabbouni) means 'my teacher' and expresses respect and intimacy.

Lutheran Tradition: Mary's confession testifies to the divinity and humanity of the resurrected Christ.

20:18: "Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, inasmuch as I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."'"

Reformed Tradition: Jesus appointed Mary as the first apostle of the resurrection. The command to go and preach the gospel to the brothers marks the beginning of the mission given to the disciples. This shows that the news of the resurrection should not remain a personal experience but must extend to the community and the world.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Mary became the first witness of the resurrection and received the mission to inform the disciples. This shows the importance of evangelism and that all believers must participate in this mission.

Baptist Tradition: Mary became the first apostle to convey the news of the resurrection to the disciples. This shows the gospel's testimony moving from personal experience to communal proclamation.

20:19-23 The Resurrected Jesus Appears to the Disciples, Granting Peace and the Holy Spirit

20:19: "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'"

Reformed Tradition: The disciples locking the doors out of fear shows their weakness and that they had not yet fully grasped the power of the resurrection. Jesus appearing and saying, "Peace be with you," is the power of the resurrection that dispels their fear and grants them peace.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: The disciples' fear shows their state before witnessing the resurrection. Jesus' first words, "Peace be with you," symbolize the true peace granted by the resurrected Lord.

Lutheran Tradition: Jesus appearing to the disciples who were gathered with locked doors shows Christ coming to those in the midst of worldly fear.

Anglican Tradition: Jesus' words, "Peace be with you," symbolize the gospel of reconciliation and peace granted by the resurrected Lord.

20:20-21: "When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"

Reformed Tradition: Jesus showing the wounds on His hands and side demonstrates that His resurrection was physical and testifies to the atoning sacrifice made on the cross. The disciples' joy is the assurance of the resurrection and the joy of salvation. Jesus commissions the disciples, sending them into the world just as the Father sent Him.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Jesus showing His wounds proves the reality of the resurrection and reminds them of the sacrifice of the cross. The disciples' joy is the result of encountering the resurrected Lord. Jesus commissions the disciples, sending them into the world as the Father sent Him.

Baptist Tradition: Jesus showing His wounds confirms the mystery of the resurrection and reminds them of the love of the cross. The disciples' joy is the result of encountering the resurrected Lord. Jesus commissions the disciples to preach the gospel.

20:22-23: "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'"

Reformed Tradition: Jesus commanding the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit is so that they may carry out their ministry empowered by the Spirit. The authority to forgive or retain sins is exercised through the proclamation of the gospel and judgment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is an important teaching regarding the authority of the church.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Jesus' command to receive the Holy Spirit is a symbolic act of empowering them with the Spirit's power. The authority to forgive or retain sins is the authority granted by the Holy Spirit in relation to the proclamation of the gospel.

Lutheran Tradition: The command to receive the Holy Spirit shows that the church has received the authority from the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel and grant the grace of forgiveness of sins.

Anglican Tradition: The words "Receive the Holy Spirit" and the granting of authority to forgive or retain sins are important teachings regarding the ministry and authority of the church. This must be done under the illumination and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

20:24-29 Jesus Appears to Doubting Thomas

20:24-25: "Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger into the print of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will not believe.'"

Reformed Tradition: Thomas's doubt shows human weakness and unbelief. However, his honest request makes the evidence of the resurrection even more certain. The 'print of the nails' and 'side' refer to the marks of Jesus' suffering on the cross.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Thomas's doubt shows human limitations, but his honest request makes the evidence of the resurrection even more powerful. Jesus does not ignore his doubt but provides specific evidence so that he can believe.

Baptist Tradition: Thomas's doubt shows the mystery of the resurrection event and human unbelief. However, his request provides an opportunity to more clearly demonstrate the truth of the resurrection.

20:26-28: "Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not be faithless, but believe.'"

Reformed Tradition: Jesus appearing again eight days later was to further strengthen the disciples' faith. Jesus directly addresses Thomas's doubt and, as he requested, shows His hands and side. This shows that Jesus' resurrection was real and that the marks of His suffering remained.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Jesus knowing Thomas's doubt and showing His hands and side as he requested demonstrates His love and patience in helping him believe.

Lutheran Tradition: Jesus appearing to Thomas shows the Lord of grace who comes even to those who doubt.

20:29: "Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'"

Reformed Tradition: Thomas's confession, "My Lord and my God!" is one of the climaxes of this Gospel. It is a confession of Jesus Christ's full divinity. Jesus accepts this confession and says that those who believe without seeing are more blessed.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Thomas's confession is an expression of faith filled with assurance, gained after overcoming doubt. He confesses Jesus as his Lord and God.

Baptist Tradition: Thomas's confession is a powerful declaration clearly testifying to the divinity of Jesus Christ. It is the result of faith gained through the experience of directly encountering the resurrected Lord.

Greek Exegesis: 'My Lord and my God' (ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου, ho Kyrios mou kai ho Theos mou) is one of the most powerful testimonies to Jesus' divinity.

20:30-31 The Purpose of the Gospel's Record

20:30-31: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Reformed Tradition: The purpose of writing the Gospel of John is to lead people to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to obtain eternal life through that faith. This Gospel focuses on testifying to Jesus' divinity and His work of salvation.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: The purpose of the Gospel of John is to enable readers to believe in Jesus Christ and obtain eternal life. This Gospel emphasizes Jesus' divinity and the grace of salvation.

Lutheran Tradition: The Gospel of John testifies to the divinity of Jesus Christ and proclaims the gospel that gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Baptist Tradition: The purpose of the Gospel of John is to enable people to obtain eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ. This Gospel clearly testifies to Jesus' divinity and His work of salvation.

Original Language Insights

ἡμέρᾳ τῇ πρώτῃ (hēmérai tēi prōtēi): 'On the first day' (20:1). This refers to the first day after the Sabbath, the Lord's Day, symbolizing the new era and new creation that began with Christ's resurrection.

σκοτίας (skotías): 'darkness' (20:1). The phrase "while it was still dark" indicates the resurrection's glory overcoming the world's darkness.

ἔδραμον (édramon): 'ran' (20:4). Denotes urgent and zealous movement.

ἐπίστευσεν (episteusen): 'believed' (20:8). Signifies not just acknowledging a fact but a conviction of Jesus' resurrection.

εἰρήνη ὑμῖν (eirēnē hymin): 'Peace be with you' (20:19, 21). This is the first greeting of the resurrected Lord to the disciples, symbolizing the true peace of being freed from the power of sin and death.

πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion): 'Holy Spirit' (20:22). The Spirit whom Jesus bestows upon the disciples, granting power and comfort.

ἄπιστος (apistos): 'faithless' (20:27). A term describing Thomas's doubt, signifying the opposite state of faith.

ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου (ho Kyrios mou kai ho Theos mou): 'My Lord and my God' (20:28). The most powerful expression of Thomas's confession of Jesus' divinity.

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

Reformed Tradition: John chapter 20 emphasizes Christ's full divinity, atoning death, and literal resurrection. It highlights that the resurrection is a sovereign act of God and that faith comes through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. The authority to forgive sins given to the disciples is understood as the basis for gospel proclamation and church discipline.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Emphasizes the personal encounter with the resurrected Christ and the resulting joy, as well as the importance of the mission to preach the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. The experiences of Mary Magdalene and Thomas show the process of coming to faith through God's grace, despite human weakness.

Lutheran Tradition: Stresses that the resurrected Christ is the Lord of grace who comes even to those who doubt. The empty tomb and the linen cloths are interpreted as evidence showing Christ's victory.

Baptist Tradition: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the core of Christian faith, and the empty tomb is its evidence. Faith arises from personally experiencing the resurrected Lord, and the mission to preach the gospel is given to all believers.

Anglican Tradition: The resurrection event is the foundation of Christian faith, and the empty tomb and the appearances of the resurrected Lord testify to this. The authority to forgive sins given to the disciples is understood in connection with the church's ministry and sacraments.

Greek Exegesis: Understanding the cultural and religious background of the time through the nuances of the original language, and grasping the rich meaning of each word, adds depth to the text. For example, words like 'running' vividly convey the urgency of the event.

Pietism: Emphasizes personal faith experience and inner transformation. It values intimate encounters with the resurrected Lord and life transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

Matthew Chapter 28: Discovery of the empty tomb, message of the angels, Jesus appearing to the disciples.

Mark Chapter 16: Discovery of the empty tomb, message of the angels, Jesus appearing to the disciples.

Luke Chapter 24: The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appearing to the disciples, the ascension.

John Chapter 1: "In the beginning was the Word," Jesus' divinity.

John Chapter 19: Jesus' crucifixion and the piercing of His side.

Sermon / Application Points

Assurance of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact and the basis of our faith. By believing in the resurrected Lord, we are freed from the power of sin and death and receive eternal life.

From Doubt to Faith: When doubt arises, like Thomas, we should honestly come before God. God knows our doubts and kindly leads us to faith.

Witnesses of the Resurrection: As witnesses who have encountered the resurrected Lord, we must proclaim the good news to the world. Like Mary Magdalene, we too can be the first witnesses of the resurrection.

Power of the Holy Spirit: The resurrected Lord has promised to give us the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit's power, we can boldly preach the gospel and proclaim the grace of forgiveness of sins.

Encountering the Lord: The resurrected Lord still desires to appear to us. When we open the doors of our hearts and welcome the Lord, we can experience true peace and joy.