In John 20, the resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that has sparked both belief and skepticism throughout history. Today’s Daily Devotional recounts how Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to many, including Mary Magdalene and His disciples. This narrative raises significant questions: Did Jesus truly rise from death? And if so, what evidence supports this extraordinary claim? By examining the eyewitness accounts documented in John 20, we can explore the profound implications of this event and its foundational role in Christian faith. To discover Jesus’ great act of love, please read the Daily Devotional on John 19.
Reflecting on the resurrection, Allen J. Huth shares his insights from three decades. In 1990, after studying the resurrection account, the linen wrappings in the empty tomb stood out as powerful evidence, compelling John and Peter to believe in the miracle they witnessed. By 2005, further contemplation highlighted the faith of those who believed without seeing, echoing Jesus’ blessing on those who have faith despite not witnessing His physical presence. By 2018, Allen’s emphasis was on the sequence of appearances and the transformative impact of the risen Christ, especially His commission to the disciples and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit.
The resurrection narrative in John 20 is not merely a historical account but a cornerstone of Christian belief. It challenges readers to consider the credibility of eyewitness testimonies and the profound change experienced by those who encountered the risen Jesus. The chapter underscores the themes of faith, peace, and mission, culminating in the call to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Through this belief, as John states, one can attain life in His name, a promise that continues to resonate and inspire faith across generations.
John 20 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In John 20, Jesus rises from the dead and appears to many people. Did Jesus really rise from death? Is there believable evidence? Please read or listen to John 20.
In 1990 (NASB), after reading about the resurrection of Jesus, I wrote concerning verses 5-8, John and Peter look into the tomb and see the linen wrappings. Jewish custom was to wrap the body with linen strips and ointment. The view of the wrappings lying there without a body in them had to be awesome and very convincing. In verse 8, “(H)e saw and believed.” Concerning verses 11-18, I wrote, “Understanding Mary’s reaction. It was very hard to comprehend someone rising from the dead, although she had experienced Lazarus. So Jesus appears to her; she must have been very close to Jesus.” Concerning verse 19, I wrote, “Jesus brings peace and fear.” Concerning verse 22, I wrote, “He gave them the Holy Spirit before Pentecost.” And, concerning verse 24, I wrote, “Thomas doubts until he sees the physical versus spiritual views of life, like so many.”
In 2005 (NASB), after reading about the resurrection, I wrote, “John is the first to see evidence of the resurrection, ‘he saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in’ (v. 5). ‘(H)e saw and believed’ (v. 8). He is an eyewitness to the resurrection of Jesus and he gives his account. Thomas does not see and does not believe until he sees Jesus. Then He believes. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed’ (v. 29).That’s us. We have not seen Him physically, but we believe the account written in the Bible, and believe John wrote it all so we could believe.”
What Does John 20:23 Mean?
In 2018, after reading about the resurrection, I wrote, “After Mary, John was the next at the tomb. He looked, but did not go in. Peter goes in, sees the burial clothes lying there, probably in the shape of a body, but no body. John goes in, sees it too, and believed. Mary is the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Next, Jesus goes through a locked room to all the disciples. And Jesus sends them, according to verse 21, and breaths on them the Holy Spirit, and gives them power to forgive, verses 22-23. I have not seen, but I believe. John wrote a gospel so that you can ‘believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name’ (v. 31).”
What is the Primary Message of John 20?
The Bible would not be worth much without John 20 and the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How do we know Jesus rose from the dead? We are reading an eyewitness account. John went there. He saw the empty tomb. He wrote his eyewitness account. If it was any other event, an accident, or another story, and you heard from an eyewitness, would you believe it? That is John. John saw and believed.
Jesus also appears to the disciples to commission them. In verse 21, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Where is He sending them? What does it mean, He is sending them? He sent them to share the story. He sent them to share about His life, share about His crucifixion, share about the forgiveness of sins, and share about the power of the resurrection.
What Is the Important Verse in John 20?
He empowered them in verse 22 when “he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” By the way, did you notice right here at the resurrection of Jesus, there is a Trinity appearance? Let’s review verses 21-22 again, “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” There it is, all three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
In verse 29, Jesus talks about us. He says, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” I have not seen the resurrected Jesus, but I believe.
John finishes the chapter by saying, “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” (vs. 30-31). Aren’t you glad John wrote it all down for us?
Also, Jesus appeared to many people. He appeared to Mary Magdalene. He appeared to all the disciples in a locked room. He even came back to convince Thomas He was the resurrected Jesus. Like John, I believe. I hope you do too.
What is the Lesson of John 20:23?
I recognize that most of you are Christians. We are Christians because we believe in the resurrected Jesus. But some may have not made that decision yet. I hope this eyewitness account by the Apostle John is convincing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Jesus is who He says He is. God the Father sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of your sins and mine. That forgiveness is completed on Resurrection Day as Jesus demonstrates power over death. You can have that power too by accepting the forgiveness of Jesus today. Let’s pray.
Lord, we thank You, “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” (v. 31). We pray for any and all who have not accepted You yet, that today is the day of salvation for them. May they believe in Jesus, seek forgiveness, apply Your gift at the cross to wash away their sin, and now believing in You, gain eternal life in Your name. Alleluia, in Jesus’ name, amen!
