John 20 - NIV Bible Study Commentary
John stresses the empty tomb throughout his account of the resurrection. He gives the names of the first witnesses, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and himself (anonymously, as “the other disciple” vv.4, 8). John shows that the level of the disciples’ understanding of Jesus was still incomplete (v.9). In doing so he gives some justification for his own gospel, which has focused on how, in God’s eternal plan, it was necessary that the Messiah “rise from the dead.”
As an instance of the disciples’ failure to understand the resurrection, John records the events of Mary’s surprise meeting with Jesus (vv.11 - 18). In a scene reminiscent of the healing of the blind man (9:1 - 10:42), Mary did not recognize Jesus when she saw Jesus (20:14), but she knew his voice (v.16; cf. 10:14). As Jesus had promised on the night of his arrest (16:7), he again told the disciples to “receive the Holy Spirit.” This anticipates the early chapters of Acts (Ac 2:1 - 4).
The concern of Thomas to feel and touch the wounds in the body of the risen Lord is an important element in John’s gospel. Later, in his first letter, John refers to the events of the Lord’s resurrection as that which “we have looked at and our hands have touched” (1Jn 1:1). Jesus fully appreciated Thomas’s concern: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (20:27).
At the conclusion of this gospel, John summarizes his purpose in writing (20:30 - 31). He has given the reader an account of the signs and miracles that Jesus did, proving that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing in Jesus, life is offered in his name (cf 1:4, 12).
The account of the third and last appearance of Jesus in Galilee (21:1 - 25) presents a picture of the future ministry of the disciples as fishers of people. When the disciples follow the words of Jesus, they will make many disciples (v.6). John clearly intends his gospel to be a guide to the words of Jesus. Jesus had said, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (12:32). By means of this book, the message of Jesus will be heard and received by many.
Jesus’ final instruction to the disciples was to care for his growing number of disciples: “Feed my sheep” (21:17). Jesus’ first word to his disciples was, “Follow me” (1:43); that was also his last (21:19). He again warned them of trouble (cf 16:33), even anticipating the kind of death (21:18) Peter would die. Peter’s own death would also be in God’s plan.
Attached to the end of John’s gospel is a verification of the truthfulness of the author and the reliability of his work (21:24 - 25).
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