The Empty Tomb
John 20:1-10 describes Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb. This pivotal moment underscores the reality of the resurrection. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him!' (John 20:2).

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
In verses 11-18, Jesus reveals Himself to Mary Magdalene, highlighting the personal nature of His resurrection. Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher) (John 20:16).

The Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Peace
Jesus appears to His disciples, offering peace and commissioning them. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you' (John 20:21).

Doubting Thomas
Thomas' initial doubt and subsequent belief serve as a powerful testament to faith. Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed' (John 20:29).

Purpose of John's Gospel
The chapter concludes with the purpose of the Gospel. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31).Embrace the Resurrection
Live with the assurance and hope that the resurrection brings, knowing that death has been conquered.

Seek Personal Encounters with Jesus
Like Mary Magdalene, seek a personal relationship with the risen Christ through prayer and study of His Word.

Share the Peace of Christ
In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, be a bearer of Christ's peace to those around you.

Strengthen Your Faith
Use Thomas' story as a reminder to trust in Jesus even when you cannot see Him, and encourage others to do the same.

Proclaim the Gospel
Recognize the purpose of John's Gospel and commit to sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others.1. Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is the first person mentioned in John 20. She goes to the tomb early on the first day of the week and finds it empty. She is a devoted follower of Jesus, and her encounter with the risen Christ is significant as she is the first to see Him after His resurrection (John 20:1, 11-18).

2. Simon Peter
Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is informed by Mary Magdalene about the empty tomb. He runs to the tomb with another disciple to see for himself (John 20:2-6).

3. The Other Disciple (the one Jesus loved)
This disciple is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel. He accompanies Peter to the tomb and is noted for reaching the tomb first. He sees and believes in the resurrection (John 20:2-8).

4. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in this chapter, having risen from the dead. He appears to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and later to Thomas, affirming His resurrection and commissioning His followers (John 20:14-29).

5. The Disciples
The group of Jesus' followers who are gathered together in a locked room for fear of the Jews. Jesus appears to them, showing them His hands and side, and gives them the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23).

6. Thomas (also called Didymus)
Thomas, one of the Twelve, is not present when Jesus first appears to the other disciples. He expresses doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he sees Jesus himself and is invited to touch His wounds, leading to his declaration of faith (John 20:24-28).1. The Tomb
The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene visiting the tomb where Jesus had been laid. The tomb is described as being empty, which is central to the resurrection narrative. The Greek term used for tomb is "mnēmeion" (μνημεῖον), indicating a place of remembrance or a sepulcher.

2. The Garden
While not explicitly named in John 20, the context suggests that the tomb was located in a garden. This is inferred from John 19:41, which states that the tomb was in a garden near the place of crucifixion. The garden setting is significant as it contrasts the death of Jesus with the new life symbolized by the resurrection.

3. The Upper Room
The disciples are gathered in a room with locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders. This is where Jesus appears to them after His resurrection. The term "upper room" is not used in John 20, but it is traditionally understood to be the same or similar location as the Last Supper, based on the context of the disciples gathering in a secure place.1. The Empty Tomb (John 20:1-2)
Mary Magdalene visits the tomb early on the first day of the week and finds the stone removed. She runs to inform Simon Peter and the other disciple, saying, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him!"

2. Peter and John at the Tomb (John 20:3-10)
Peter and the other disciple run to the tomb. The other disciple arrives first, looks in, and sees the linen cloths lying there. Peter enters the tomb and observes the linen cloths and the separate face cloth. The other disciple also enters, sees, and believes, though they do not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.

3. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
Mary stands outside the tomb weeping. She sees two angels in white and then turns to see Jesus, whom she initially does not recognize. Jesus speaks her name, and she recognizes Him, calling Him "Rabboni" (Teacher). Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him and to tell His brothers that He is ascending to the Father.

4. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)
On the evening of the first day of the week, Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, saying, "Peace be with you." He shows them His hands and side, and they rejoice. Jesus breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit," giving them authority to forgive sins.

5. Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29)
Thomas, not present at Jesus' first appearance, doubts the resurrection. Eight days later, Jesus appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas responds, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

6. Purpose of the Gospel (John 20:30-31)
The chapter concludes by stating that Jesus performed many other signs not recorded in the book. The purpose of what is written is "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Paul affirms the resurrection as a foundational truth of the Gospel.

Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission parallels Jesus' sending of the disciples in John 20:21.

Hebrews 11:1
This verse on faith complements the lesson from Thomas' encounter with Jesus.

Romans 10:9
Highlights the importance of confessing and believing in the resurrection for salvation. Thanksgiving for the Resurrection
Praise God for the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Personal Relationship with Jesus
Pray for a deeper, more personal encounter with the risen Lord.

Peace in Troubled Times
Ask for Christ's peace to fill your heart and the hearts of others.

Strengthened Faith
Request God's help in overcoming doubt and growing in faith.

Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
Seek courage and opportunities to share the message of Jesus with others.

1. How does the resurrection narrative in John 20 deepen your understanding of the Gospel?

2. What can we learn about faith from Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus?

3. How does Jesus' interaction with His disciples help us understand His mission for us today?

4. Why do you think Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus, and what does his story teach us about faith and doubt?

5. How can you relate to Thomas' need for tangible proof in your own faith journey?

6. How does Jesus' commission to His disciples relate to our calling as Christians in the world today?

7. What is the significance of Jesus showing His wounds to His disciples after His resurrection?

8. How does John 20 address the theme of faith, especially in difficult or doubtful situations?

9. What lessons can we draw from John's purpose in writing his Gospel?

10. What does it mean for you personally to have "life in His name" as John 20:31 suggests?

11. How does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope to your current circumstances?

12. In what ways does Jesus' peace, as He offered His disciples, speak to your life today?

13. How does the transformation of the disciples from fear to boldness inspire you?

14. How does understanding Jesus' resurrection influence your view of death and eternal life?

15. How can you carry the message of Jesus' resurrection and life to those around you in your daily life?

16. What steps can you take when you're in a 'Thomas moment' of doubt in your life?

17. How does Jesus' command to Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him impact your understanding of change and growth in spiritual life?

18. In what ways can you apply the teachings of this chapter in dealing with fear, doubt, and uncertainty in your life?

19. What change does the revelation of the resurrected Jesus bring to your life, similar to how it changed the lives of the disciples?

20. How can you practically embody the commission Jesus gives to His disciples in your personal and community life?