John 20 – He Is Risen Indeed
Like the empty tomb, sometimes the first light of hope enters through the quietest of openings.
The resurrection account in John 20 stands as one of the most historically compelling and theologically rich passages in Scripture. The Grace and Truth Study Bible lays out four reasons the resurrection is reliable: the disciples weren’t expecting it, women were the first witnesses (a culturally unlikely detail to fabricate), the disciples were portrayed as fearful rather than bold (not flattering if one were inventing a myth), and the Gospel narrative remained restrained rather than embellished. These elements lend credibility to the claim: Jesus rose from the dead.
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus becomes the hinge of this chapter. Her heartbreak turns into joy when she hears Jesus call her by name. Then we move to Jesus appearing to His disciples behind locked doors—not once but twice. He greets them with peace, displays His wounds, and commissions them with the breath of the Holy Spirit. Thomas’s journey from doubt to declaration reveals the grace of Jesus meeting honest struggle. Finally, John closes with his purpose: that we may believe Jesus is the Messiah and, in believing, experience life in His name.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Voice of the Holy Spirit, Through Scripture:
You saw the empty tomb and remembered My words. You did not yet understand, but your heart began to stir. I called you by name, and you recognized Me. The fear that once locked your doors gave way to peace when I entered and stood among you. My scars were not signs of defeat but of love that conquered death.
I breathed on you, and you received the beginning of what would soon fill you entirely. The Spirit would come like a rushing wind, but even now, you received peace, commission, and power. Do not cling to what was, for I ascend to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God. The relationship has changed—you are not left behind, but raised with Me.
When doubt demanded proof, I stood before you again. I did not scold you, but invited you: place your finger here, reach out your hand. And you, who had once doubted, declared Me as Lord and God. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. You will walk by faith, but I have left you My Word, and My Spirit, and My peace.
You believe, and now you live—not just existence, but abundant life in My name. I am not a memory in your past. I am your present reality, and your eternal joy.
(John 20:1–31; 1 Corinthians 15:12–19; Luke 8:2; Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:9; Acts 2:1–4)
Prayer:
Jesus, You have overcome the grave, and in doing so, You’ve redefined my reality. I rest in the truth that You are not only risen, but present. You didn’t wait for me to have everything figured out before revealing Yourself. Instead, You met the sorrowing heart, the fearful heart, and the doubting heart—and brought peace, joy, and assurance.
Thank You that I don’t have to see Your wounds to trust Your victory. You’ve given me Your Spirit, Your Word, and the joy of knowing You personally. May I walk in this life You’ve given—not just surviving, but truly alive in Your name.
Real-Life Analogy:
It’s like walking into your house after a long trip and catching the unmistakable scent of something familiar—a favorite candle, fresh laundry, the quiet hum of life waiting for you. At first, you may not see anyone, but something in the air tells you you’re not alone. You were expecting emptiness, but the stillness is different—it’s warm, alive. And then, someone you love calls your name from the next room. That’s when you know—you’re home. That’s what Mary experienced. And that’s what our hearts recognize when we hear Him call us, even today.
Credits: Devotional insights adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2022). Photo credit: Unsplash