John 20: The Resurrection

John 20 describes the resurrection of Jesus and His appearances to His disciples, highlighting the triumph over death and the foundation of Christian faith. The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb early on the first day of the week. She informs Peter and John, who rush to the tomb and find it empty, with the burial cloths left behind. Mary remains at the tomb, weeping, and encounters two angels and then Jesus Himself, whom she initially does not recognize. Jesus reveals Himself to her, instructing her to tell the disciples of His resurrection. Later, Jesus appears to His disciples, who are gathered behind locked doors out of fear. He greets them with peace, shows them His wounds, and breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, empowering them for their mission. Thomas, who was absent, initially doubts the resurrection until Jesus appears again and invites him to touch His wounds, leading to Thomas's declaration of faith. The chapter concludes with the purpose of the Gospel: that readers may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, they may have life in His name.