John 20 reminds me of being a skeptic. Perhaps growing up with older siblings teaches us that an unexpected gesture of kindness often precedes a hidden prank. Humans behave predictably most of the time, and when they do not, watch out. Today’s chapter is for the doubter. We begin “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark”. After the crucifixion, the body of Jesus was hurriedly prepared for burial. The first thing Sunday morning, “Mary Magdalene went to the tomb” to properly tend to the body. She embodies the caring love and devotion of everyone that has been set free from their past. She was the first to see “that the stone had been removed from the entrance”. She immediately alerted Peter and John; “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!” Both apostles ran to the tomb. They “saw the strips of linen lying there”. After seeing for themselves, they believed Mary; but “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead”. Everyone reacted exactly as expected. The apostles returned to hiding, now even more afraid. Mary “stood outside the tomb crying”. She then looked back inside the tomb to check her sanity, “and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot”. Outside the tomb, a man she supposed to be the gardener asked, “Who is it you are looking for?” She did not recognize Jesus until He called her by name. I’m sure He spoke her name with unique tenderness. In stunned amazement she cried out, “Rabboni!” Does anyone call you tenderly?
We can imagine the overwhelming joy, but something was different. He told her, “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” He was physically resurrected, but His body was “glorified”, no longer encumbered by some of the limitations we have. He gave Mary an important role, “Go… to My brothers… and tell them”. The fact that she does not hesitate speaks to her devotion. She went to the disciples and simply said, “I have seen the Lord!” Even after giving them the details, there was much disbelief. We can tell by their actions. That same evening, “the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders”. They were expecting to be arrested. When Jesus entered and stood among them, the first thing He said was, “Peace be with you!” In His presence we have heavenly peace.
Again, He had to prove Himself to them, “He showed them His hands and side”. After they accepted Him, Jesus was able to give them a new mission and new authority. “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you”. These frightened followers did not have any confidence, until “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’”. Their lives were changed immediately. God breathed life into Adam. God breathed life into Holy Scripture, and God breathes life into lost souls. Friend, this is the answer to hopelessness. Jesus continued, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven”. Does that sound harsh? Do you have contempt for God’s mercy, yet refuse to accept His promise? Thomas, one of the twelve, was not present and declared “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were… I will not believe”. It was not until Jesus stood before Thomas with hands held out for inspection that Thomas believed. Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”. My friend, are you missing peace in your life? John wrote that this book is written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name”. Watch out, Satan desires to deceive you into doubting that God’s promise is for you!