John·Chapter 20

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on your own questions and uncertainties. Instead of pushing them aside, sit with them. Ask yourself what you're struggling to understand in your life right now. Just like those followers, be open to the possibility that something incredible could be just around the corner. As you go through your week, pay attention to moments that might bring new insights or revelations, just as the followers of Jesus eventually experienced.

Chapter Context

To truly understand this moment, you need to step back a bit. Just before this verse, there’s been a whirlwind of events: Jesus was crucified, buried, and now the tomb is empty. The followers are grappling with heartbreak and confusion. This verse appears right after they’ve discovered the empty tomb, signaling a crucial turning point. It's the climax of their shock—this is the moment before the lightbulb goes off, where the story shifts from despair to hope. The tension is thick, and the realization of what’s to come is about to break through the fog of misunderstanding.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• for - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• understand - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• scripture - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• that - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• he - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• must - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• rise - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• from - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• dead - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What doubts or uncertainties are you facing right now that feel heavy on your heart, and how might you be open to new understandings or possibilities coming your way?

Related Verses

• Psalm 16:10 - This verse talks about how God wouldn’t let His faithful one see decay, hinting at the resurrection long before it happened.
• Isaiah 53:10 - Written 700 years before, this verse predicts that a suffering servant would see life again, showing how God's plans were unfolding over centuries.
• Matthew 28:6 - This verse confirms the empty tomb, where the angel declares that Jesus has risen, linking back to the moment of confusion in John.
• Luke 24:6 - Another account of the angel reminding the followers that Jesus had risen, reinforcing the miraculous fulfillment of the prophecy.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in John 20:9. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Resurrection, Faith, Grief and Joy, Recognition of Jesus, Mission and Commissioning, Peace, Transformation

Key Verses

John 20:1, John 20:9, John 20:16, John 20:19, John 20:21

Historical Context

John's Gospel is the last of the four Gospels written, likely composed between 85-95 AD. It aims to present Jesus as the Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature and the significance of His miracles and teachings. Chapter 20 is crucial as it provides the account of Jesus' resurrection, which is foundational for Christian belief. This chapter also serves to address the doubts and fears of the disciples, offering them reassurance and a mission following Jesus' resurrection. The narrative style is reflective, focusing on personal encounters and theological implications, and it supplements the accounts found in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).