John 20
Read 20:1-2
What did Mary Magdalene say to Simon Peter on the first day of the week? (20:2)
FOOTNOTE: It was the custom in Palestine to visit the tomb of a loved one for three days after the body had been laid to rest. It was believed that for three days the spirit of the dead person hovered round the tomb; but then it departed because the body had become unrecognizable through decay.
Read 20:3-9
What did they still not understand? (20:9)
FOOTNOTE: Jesus’ resurrection is the key to the Christian faith. Why? (1) Just as he said, Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident, therefore, that he will accomplish all he has promised. (2) Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that the living Christ, not a false prophet or imposter, is ruler of God’s eternal kingdom. (3) We can be certain of our own resurrection because Jesus was resurrected. Death is not the end—there is future life. (4) The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us to bring our spiritually dead selves back to life. (5) The resurrection is the basis for the church’s witness to the world.
Read 20:10-18
Why was Mary crying outside the empty tomb? (20:13)
Who was the man Mary thought was the gardener? (20:16)
FOOTNOTE: Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Her grief had blinded her; she couldn’t see him because she didn’t expect to see him. Then he spoke her name, and immediately she recognized him. Imagine the love that flooded her heart when she heard her Savior saying her name. Jesus is near YOU, and he is calling YOUR name. Can you, like Mary, regard him as your Lord?
Mary did not meet the risen Christ until she had discovered the empty tomb. She responded with joy and obedience by going to tell the disciples. We cannot meet Christ until we discover that he is indeed alive, that his tomb is empty. Are YOU filled with joy by this good news, and do you share it with others?
Read 20:19-23
Why did the disciples have the doors locked? (20:19)
What did Jesus mean when he told the disciples that the Father sent him and now he was sending them? (20:21)
FOOTNOTES: Jesus again identified himself with his Father. He told the disciples by whose authority he did his work. Then he passed the job to his disciples of spreading the gospel of salvation around the world. Whatever God has asked YOU to do, remember, (1) your authority comes from God, and (2) Jesus demonstrated by words and actions how to accomplish the job he has given YOU. As the Father sent Jesus, Jesus sends his followers…and YOU.
Read 20:24-31
Why did Thomas doubt what the other disciples told him? (20:25)
FOOTNOTE: Have you ever wished you could actually see Jesus, touch him, and hear his words? Are there times you want to sit down with him and get his advice? Thomas wanted Jesus’ physical presence. But God’s plan is wiser. He has not limited himself to one physical body; he wants to be present with you at all times. Even now he is with you in the form of the Holy Spirit. You can talk to him, and you can find his words to you in the pages of the Bible. He can be as real to you as he was to Thomas.
Some people think they would believe in Jesus if they could see a definite sign or miracle. But Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe without seeing. We have all the proof we need in the words of the Bible and the testimony of believers. A physical appearance would not make Jesus any more real to us than he is now.
I hope you have a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what he has done for you, for all mankind. I love the Easter celebration, getting together with family, loved ones & good friends. It’s very painful to reflect on the suffering that our Savior went through, but very important to always keep before us that image of the empty tomb. Thank you Father, for loving us that much!
Chapter 21 next time.
SW
Life Application Bible New International Version
John 21
This final chapter of John tells how Jesus commissioned Peter.
Read John 21:1-14
What sea did Jesus again appear to his disciples? (21:1)
Who is this disciple whom Jesus loved in verse 7?
FOOTNOTE: Only John recognized Jesus in the dim morning light, undoubtedly because Jesus had performed a similar miracle earlier (Luke 5:1-11).
Why did Peter wrap his outer garment around him when he learned that the Lord was present?
FOORNOTE: Now it was the Jewish law that to offer greeting was a religious act, and to carry out a religious act a man must be clothed; so Peter, before he set out to come to Jesus, put on his fisherman’s tunic, for he wished to be the first to greet his Lord.
Read 21:15-19
Why do you suppose Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him?
FOOTNOTE: Is it possible it was because Peter denied Jesus three times? It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is willingness to serve him. Peter had repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Jesus doesn’t settle for quick, superficial answers. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you,”Do you truly love me?” Do YOU really love Jesus? Are YOU even his friend?
What does’ verses’ 18 & 19 mean?
FOOTNOTE: This was a prediction of Peter’s death by crucifixion. Tradition indicates that Peter was crucified for his faith-upside down because he did not feel worthy of dying as his Lord did. Despite what Peter’s future held, Jesus told him to follow Him. WE may be uncertain and fearful about our future. But if we know God is in control, we can confidently follow Christ.
Love always involves responsibility, and it always involves sacrifice. We do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face his task and take up his cross.
Read 21:20-25
Why did Peter want to know how John would die?
FOOTNOTE: Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. WE tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter. “What is that to you? You must follow me.”
JOHN’S STATED PURPOSE FOR WRITING HIS GOSPEL WAS TO SHOW THAT JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD. HE CLEARLY AND SYSTEMATICALLY PRESENTED THE EVIDENCE FOR JESUS’ CLAIMS. WHEN EVIDENCE IS PRESENTED IN THE COURTROOM, THOSE WHO HEAR IT MUST MAKE A CHOICE. THOSE WHO READ THE GOSPEL OF JOHN MUST ALSO MAKE A CHOICE-IS JESUS THE SON OF GOD, OR ISN’T HE? YOU ARE THE JURY. THE EVIDENCE HAS BEEN CLEARLY PRESENTED. YOU MUST DECIDE. READ JOHN’S GOSPEL AND BELIEVE!
Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a guilty sinner and that I need to be saved. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay my sin debt. Please forgive my sins, come into my heart, and save my soul. I turn my life over to You. Help me to live for You from now on. Amen
If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, welcome to the family of God!
Blessings!!!
SW
