Reflections on the Resurrection

John 20

The first thing that impresses me about the resurrection is the fact the first person who realized something had happened was Mary Magdalene. She came early in the morning, I’m sure to mourn the death of the one she loved and discovered the tomb was open and empty. Notice that she was the first person that Jesus appeared to and obviously was chosen to share the fact of the resurrection with the disciples. Of all the people Jesus encountered and disciples during His life on earth, she was chosen to announce His resurrection.

John’s reaction in verse eight also caught my attention. He had spent much time with Jesus and had been taught many things. Although much may have registered intellectually, there was still a lack of spiritual perception. Notice his own testimony as he said “he saw, and believed”. It appears that all he had been taught came together at that point and he now really understood who Jesus was.

I can imagine how the disciples rejoiced as Jesus revealed Himself to them. Notice how He shared that just as He had been sent to the earth by the Father, He now is sending them on a mission to the world (v. 21). He is not doing this, however, without preparing them and equipping them. They have spent much time learning from Him for the last several months. Now He is empowering them by giving them the Holy Spirit (v. 22). You may recall that He had shared with them earlier how the Holy Spirit would be active in their lives. He not only gives them this power He gives them authority (v. 23).

I’m impressed with His patient reaction to Thomas and reminded of His patience with me. I’m not sure that Thomas doubted any more than the other disciples before He appeared to them.

Notice that this chapter closes by stating the purpose of the book, and really the rest of the Bible: “these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and believing you may have life in His name.” We should thank God continually for preserving His Word for us so that we may come to know Him and grow in our relationship with Him.