John 20:1-31
Sunday, 09 April 2023
“…but these are written that you may believe...” –John 20:31
Today Christians all around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, pivotal to the Christian faith. And as a first-hand witness, John the Apostle records the leading events in our text and sums it up at the end: “…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The life of Jesus Christ is chronicled in this book in the way John perceived and experienced Him and stands as an authentic witness to everyone who reads it even to this day!
Mary becomes the first to see the Resurrected Christ on the third day (Vs.16-18) and carry the good news to the disciples. Peter and John had come and seen the empty tomb but their first encounter with the Risen Lord came later in the same evening when they were gathered in a closed room. Jesus appeared in their midst and said, “Peace be with you!”(V19) As He showed them His nail-pierced hands and feet, they believed and were commissioned to carry on the Lord’s work (Vs.21,22). Thomas, the disciple who wasn’t among them found it hard to believe their report. To Thomas who needed the proof of His resurrection Jesus appeared and said, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side.”[V27NLT] and Thomas unequivocally declared with whole-hearted faith: “My Lord and my God!”(V.28). The doubter- turned-believer, we know from history came as far as India with the gospel- the astounding impact which resonates in the land even to this day!
From the key verse- what does John want his readers to believe and experience?
· Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: The Gospel of John undoubtedly proves the deity of Christ. In the opening chapter of this book, John states: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”(John 1:18). Jesus came to show us what God is like—“He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9). He said in John 16:28: “I came from the Father and entered the world…” The very essence of God and His character were witnessed by the disciples and others who walked closely with Him. The resurrection validated all that He spoke and lent proof of His sonship: “… declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Rom.1:4)
· That believing one may have life in Christ’s name: Jesus came as the anointed one of God (Christ) appointed for the task of bringing man into a living relationship with God! Humankind would have eternally perished, died in sin had not God sent His Son to save them and give them eternal life. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the punishment of man’s sin and through His resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life in Him 1 Cor.15:17 says, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” But Christ is risen, and His resurrection is proof of the eternal life that one would receive in believing Him!
Thought for the Day: “Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; he came into this world to make dead people live.” ~ Lee Strobel
Listen: 'HE is risen!'