The Weekly Show: Episode 63 - John 20

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 20 Verses 1-31

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction to John 20:1–31

From Grief to Glory: The Dawn of New Creation

The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. John 20 takes us into the heart of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What began in sorrow at the cross now breaks into joyful astonishment as Jesus conquers death, confirms His identity, and commissions His followers.

This chapter is more than historical narrative—it is deeply personal and transformative. Each encounter with the risen Christ reveals a different kind of heart: the broken, the skeptical, the fearful. And in each case, Jesus meets them with grace, truth, and power.

Structure of John 20:

1. The Empty Tomb (vv. 1–10) – Discovery and confusion as the stone is rolled away and the body missing.
2. Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Christ (vv. 11–18) – A personal moment of recognition and renewal.
3. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (vv. 19–23) – Fear turns to peace, and the Spirit is given.
4. Thomas and the Power of Seeing (vv. 24–29) – Doubt is transformed into one of the most profound confessions of faith.
5. John’s Purpose Statement (vv. 30–31) – The Gospel’s aim is clearly revealed: “That you may believe… and have life in His name.”

Key Themes Introduced in John 20:

• The Reality of the Resurrection – Not a symbol or myth, but a physical, witnessed event that changed history.
• The Personal Nature of Faith – Jesus calls people by name, invites touch, gives peace, and meets people in their doubts.
• The Birth of New Creation – The risen Christ begins a new era, breathing new life (symbolic of Genesis), commissioning disciples, and inaugurating Spirit-filled mission.
• Belief That Leads to Life – The resurrection demands a response—not just admiration, but belief that brings transformation.

Why This Chapter Matters:

• If John 19 is the payment, John 20 is the proof.
• Without the resurrection, the cross is a tragedy. With it, the cross becomes the triumph of God's love.
• This chapter invites every reader—whether broken like Mary, hesitant like Peter, or skeptical like Thomas—to encounter the risen Christ and believe.

"He is not here. He is risen." This changes everything. The grave couldn’t hold Him. Sin couldn’t defeat Him. And now, He calls us to live in that same resurrection power.

Key Theme One: The Empty Tomb (John 20:1–10)

The Stone Rolled Away, and Faith Awakening

The first sign of resurrection is not angels or trumpets—it’s an empty tomb. Quiet, confusing, and unexpected. For the earliest disciples, this wasn’t immediately joyful—it was perplexing, even alarming. But it was the beginning of a seismic shift: death had not won. Something unexplainable had happened… and hope was awakening.

1. Early Mourning Faithfulness (v. 1)

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark…”

• Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, comes before dawn—while it’s still dark, both literally and emotionally.
• She finds the stone rolled away—a shocking sight, raising fears of grave robbery or desecration.

Reflection: Mary came expecting to mourn. But her grief would become the first step toward joy.

2. Panic and Assumption (v. 2)

“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

• Mary immediately assumes the worst: that someone has stolen Jesus' body.
• She runs to tell Peter and “the other disciple” (likely John).

Insight: Resurrection wasn’t on their radar. Even those closest to Jesus struggled to believe at first.

3. A Race to the Tomb (vv. 3–4)

“Peter and the other disciple went out toward the tomb. They both ran…”

• Peter and John sprint toward the tomb, showing urgency and desperation.
• John reaches the tomb first, but hesitates. Peter, true to character, rushes in.

Application: Our responses to mystery vary—s