John 20 Bible Commentary

This verse shows the unwavering devotion of a follower of Christ facing both darkness and hope.

This verse records Mary Magdalene’s startling discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb and demonstrates her urgent attempt to involve those she trusted most.

They ran to verify an unthinkable miracle.

This verse highlights that faith often arises from firsthand observation combined with deep trust in Jesus’ words.

This verse highlights the moment of discovery and cautious reverence at the empty tomb.

Peter’s discovery shows that Jesus was truly raised from the dead.

The face-cloth was left behind with intention as a tangible reminder of the Resurrection.

He saw, recognized the miraculous reality of Jesus’s resurrection, and responded in faith.

The empty tomb marks the dawning of hope for humanity.

John 20:10 shows the disciples returning home after seeing the empty tomb, illustrating how their initial confusion would soon give way to the reality of the risen Lord.

She wept outside the tomb, struggling to believe in a promised miracle that was yet to dawn on her heart.

This verse highlights heaven’s testimony that Jesus has truly risen from the dead.

This verse highlights Mary Magdalene’s despair and unwavering devotion as she comes seeking Jesus, only to be met with an empty tomb and the hope of resurrection.

Mary encounters the risen Savior before she realizes Who He is.

Mary’s sorrow blinded her momentarily to the wondrous truth standing before her.

He tenderly addresses us in the same way He greeted Mary.

Jesus reminds Mary that He must still complete His mission of ascending to the Father, commissioning her to proclaim His eternal victory.

Mary Magdalene’s faithful announcement reminds us that God often chooses unlikely messengers to declare His greatest truths.

This verse shows how Jesus brings peace that conquers fear.

They rejoiced because they recognized the living Christ in their midst.

Jesus entrusts His followers with the same mission He received from the Father, confirming their calling as agents of transformation in the world.

Jesus personally imparts the Holy Spirit to liberate His followers from fear and to commission them with His own passion for redeeming a world in need.

This verse emphasizes the entrusted authority for followers of Jesus to proclaim God’s forgiveness, reminding us of the powerful partnership God forms with believers in extending grace to a broken world.

Thomas’s absence in John 20:24 becomes a profound reminder that our faith is often shaped by both questions and encounters with the living Christ.

Thomas faced the ultimate question of belief when confronted with the risen Jesus.

Jesus personally broke through the barriers of human doubt and offered divine peace.

Thomas transitions from skepticism to a profound confession of faith in Jesus as risen Lord.

Thomas recognizes Jesus as both Lord and God, revealing Jesus’s true identity and transforming Thomas’s doubt into a profound statement of faith.

Blessed indeed are Christ’s followers who take Him at His Word, for they inherit the joy of salvation without relying on physical proof.

This verse highlights the immeasurable scope of Jesus’s miraculous works, affirming that His deeds surpass even what is recorded in the Gospel of John.

Belief in Jesus opens the door to eternal life.