WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES SEEING JESUS MAKE? (John 20:11-29)
We can only imagine what it must have been like for those closest to Jesus between the crucifixion and the resurrection. His disciples had left everything behind to follow Him with the unrealized expectation of Jesus becoming the next King of Israel.
On Easter morning the stone wasn’t rolled away so Jesus could get out; it was rolled away so we could get in. God wants us to see the miracle of the empty tomb and to realize that the presence and power of the resurrected Christ changes everything.
In John 20, we see three appearances of our Resurrected Lord in which He ministered to the needs of people while He demonstrated who He was. Our Lord’s first appearance in John 20 (11-18) was to Mary Magdalene, to one who was broken-hearted, one who was forsaken, to a woman, a base woman, one from whom He previously cast out 7 demons (Luke 8:2).
Jesus called Mary by name and provided comfort to her by His presence. Jesus is alive and will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus has compassion on those who are hurting, the forgotten, the neglected, the lonely; and His first appearance is to bring comfort and hope to them.
Jesus’ second appearance in this passage (John 20:19-23) to His disciples is to give them courage to overcome their fears. The doors were shut due to their fear of the Jews, and then, Jesus suddenly appeared and said, “Peace be with you,” and showed the disciples His hands and His side. Jesus gives us a peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).
Jesus also gave His disciples purpose. Though He was leaving, the disciples were staying to continue the work he began. Finally, Jesus gave them power to accomplish this task with a filling of the Holy Spirit.
Over 400 times in the Bible, we are exhorted to “fear not or don’t be afraid” because that is often our first response to difficult situations. By His peace and power, Jesus gives us faith and courage to conquer our fears.
The final appearance of the resurrected Christ in John 20:27-29 is to “doubting” Thomas who was absent when Jesus visited the disciples on Easter evening. I love Jesus’ response to Thomas. Jesus doesn’t criticize Thomas for not being at “church” last Sunday. Jesus doesn’t scold him for not believing the report of the women or the other 11 disciples. He doesn’t even mock Thomas for his lack of faith. When Jesus showed himself to Thomas, Thomas responded with a great affirmation of faith: “My Lord and my God.” The Lord will go out of his way to meet you at your point of doubt.
It is likely you might identify with at least one of these three groups. As you learn more about our Resurrected Savior, may He inspire new faith and hope in you as He ministers to your needs.
