The Gospel of John

John 20:19–31

Jesus Appears to the Disciples, Jesus and Thomas

& The Purpose of This Book

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         One week after the resurrection, a Sunday evening, Jesus suddenly and miraculously appears to His disciples who out of fear, are in a locked room. He says, “Peace be with you.”

2.           He shows them His hands and side, the scars made by the nails and spear. The disciples were “glad” when they saw the Lord.

3.           Again He said, “Peace be with you” and then gave them, and us, the great commission: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

4.           Then He “breathed on them” and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This is the moment of the full conversion of the disciples.

5.           The sending commission is of the highest of all since it concerns whether hearers are forgiven or not, since no unforgiven sinner can enter into God’s presence.

6.           Thomas, who was not present, when told that Jesus had been there, declares he will not believe unless he sees for himself.

7.           Eight days later, again a Sunday, Jesus appears and lets Thomas touch His wounds now healed. Thomas then expresses faith by saying, “My Lord and my God!”

8.           Jesus’ reaction shows that those who have not seen yet believe are blessed.

9.           John then goes on to state the purpose for the writing of his Gospel, which is that readers will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

10.         We note chapter 20 is not the last chapter in the Gospel; there is a final chapter, added on later perhaps.