John 20:1–18

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Encounter the Risen Lord
John 20:1–18

Belief in Jesus Christ’s resurrection is fundamental to Christian faith. Paul said one of the first tenets of Christian faith he proclaimed to the Corinthians was that of Jesus’ death and resurrection: He died for our sins in accordance with Scripture, was buried, was raised on the third day in accordance with Scriptures and appeared to many (1 Cor. 15:3–8). This critical doctrine is not only the tradition that Paul taught all his converts but also one he received from the apostles who were with Jesus (1 Cor. 15:3). And if Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then our faith is futile and all that awaits us is death (1 Cor. 15:32). Jesus’ resurrection is not simply Paul’s gospel message but is corroborated by all the Gospel writers and Luke in Acts (1:1–5).

Death Destroyed (1–10)
In John’s account, Mary Magdalene, who was healed from demons (Luke 8:2), went early to the tomb. Although other women may have been with her, Mary plays a critical role in John’s account (note “we” in verse 2; see also Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:9–10).

 Her discovery of the empty tomb was conveyed to both Peter and John. And both saw firsthand the empty tomb and discarded grave clothes. A simple, but critical, point is made in the story: John saw and believed (8). John believed in spite of the fact that he was not yet able to connect Jesus’ resurrection as fulfillment of Scripture (9). God provides salvation even when His people do not fully comprehend His actions or words in Scripture. But precisely, what are the implications of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead for His followers?

It means that the last enemy, death, has been destroyed (1 Cor. 15:23). Death, the inevitable fate for all humanity since Adam, finally has been conquered. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18), and all who belong to Him have hope of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:23). In spite of the fact that we do not have the privilege of “seeing” the empty tomb and grave clothes, we can take comfort in Jesus’ words: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Mary Magdalene’s Grief (11–15)
Turning back to Mary’s story in John, she stood weeping outside the tomb. Her grief at the loss of Jesus was profound. And she found two angels inside the tomb. In response to their query “Why are you weeping?,” she revealed her emotional connection with Jesus. Yet she was confused by the empty tomb; she believed that someone had taken Jesus’ body (13). This confusion is reiterated when she mistakes Jesus as a gardener and, once again, tries to find His body. And in her heart-wrenching grief, she failed to recognize Jesus who stood before her. And although she did not perceive His presence, Jesus had not abandoned her in her sorrow.

Source of Joy and Comfort (16–18)
As Jesus called out her name, Mary’s vision was clarified; she saw and recognized Him. Her sorrow was transformed to joy instantaneously. In the same way, our sorrow turns to joy in the presence of our resurrected Lord.

 He is the true source of joy and comfort for believers. For all who believe, hope is never lost because it is centered on the certainty of God, who brings life even in death (Rom. 4:13–25). And in this joyful scene between Jesus and Mary, He told her, “Do not [continue to] cling to me.” Mary, along with the rest of the disciples, now had to relate to Jesus differently than she did during His earthly ministry.

 As the resurrected Lord, He must ascend to the Father. And Mary was commanded to tell His disciples of His resurrection and coming ascension. Testimony of Jesus’ resurrection is organic to our relationship of faith with Him. Our encounter with Jesus never remains private and merely personal. We become a body of believers by communicating our faith in the resurrected Lord to others. The community of believers is testimonial in nature; we relate our faith and experience to others so that they might believe.

And our testimony is the ultimate source of good news for all; all of humanity lives in fear of death. And Jesus is the only solution for all of humanity.