John 20

John 20 is the twentieth of the twenty-one chapters of the Gospel of John. In chapter 19, Jesus is crucified and buried in a new tomb in a garden. This chapter continues with the account of the resurrection on the third day.

Outline

• Verses 1–10: Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene sees that the stone has been taken away from the tomb and tells Peter and "the other disciple." The two run to the tomb and see the linen clothes and the napkin wrapped together in a place by itself. The other disciple "saw, and believed," but neither of them yet understands the Scripture, and both return home.
• Verses 11–18: Mary, weeping outside the tomb, sees two angels. She then meets Jesus but supposes him to be the gardener, recognizing him only when he calls her by name. Mary delivers Jesus' message to the disciples.
• Verses 19–23: That evening, Jesus comes to the disciples, who are gathered behind shut doors. He says, "Peace be unto you," and shows them his hands and his side. Then, sending them out, he breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Ghost.
• Verses 24–29: Thomas, who was not present, says he will not believe until he has seen the print of the nails for himself. When Jesus appears again after eight days, Thomas confesses, "My Lord and my God."
• Verses 30–31: The purpose of the book is stated.

Key Verses

• John 20:28: "My Lord and my God." This is one of the clearest confessions in the New Testament calling Jesus God, and it is frequently cited in Christology.
• John 20:29: "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." This saying is understood as addressed to later generations of believers who did not see Jesus for themselves.
• John 20:31: "That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." This verse states the purpose for which the entire Gospel of John was written.

Characters and Places

• Mary Magdalene: portrayed as the first to discover the empty tomb and the first to meet the risen Jesus.
• Simon Peter
• The disciple whom Jesus loved: the text does not name him. Church tradition identifies him as John.
• Two angels in white
• Thomas: one of the Twelve, also called "Didymus" (the Twin).
• The tomb: according to chapter 19, it was in a garden near the place where Jesus was crucified.

Points for Reflection

• Verse 17: The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) renders this saying "Touch me not," while the New Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) renders it "Do not hold on to me." Interpreters differ on whether the saying forbids touching Jesus' body or means that Mary should not try to hold him back.
• Verses 22–23: Interpretations differ on how this scene relates to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts. Some see it as John's distinct account of the same event; others see it as a preliminary bestowal ahead of Pentecost or as a symbolic act. The authority to forgive sins (verse 23) is likewise interpreted in different ways. The Catholic Church cites this passage as the basis for the sacrament of penance. Many Protestant denominations understand it in relation to the declaration of forgiveness through the proclamation of the gospel or to the church's discipline.
• Thomas: He is often called "Doubting Thomas." The text, however, does not say that Thomas actually put his hand into Jesus' wounds; instead, it presents him as making his confession immediately upon seeing Jesus.
• Mary Magdalene: The text does not say that she was a repentant prostitute. That story arose in Western church tradition, which conflated her with other women.
• Verses 19 and 26: "The first day of the week" and "after eight days" are cited as part of the basis for the early church's gathering on the Lord's Day.
• Verses 30–31: Although these words seem to conclude the book, chapter 21 follows. For this reason, some regard chapter 21 as an appended conclusion, or epilogue.

In the Korean Church

The chapter is widely used as a text for Easter sermons. In the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), which is used by churches that follow the liturgical calendar, John 20:19–31 is the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter every year. John 20:1–18 is also an option for Easter Day itself.