John 20:1-31

Random Resurrection Thoughts

John never refers to himself by name in this Gospel. He calls himself “The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved.” This isn’t a “Jesus always loved me best” kind of thing but it is an acknowledgement of how well John knew he was loved. I love the fact that he makes sure to let us know that even though Peter had a head start John still out ran him to the tomb. “In your face, Peter!”

Some question why Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Let’s see...hum... It’s so early that it is still dark and she probably didn’t get much sleep the night before. A couple of days ago she saw the man she loved the most falsely accused and tortured to death. Now she finds the tomb is empty. Having not grown up in Sunday School I’m going out on a limb and say that the possibility of resurrection was not the first explanation that came to her mind. She is crying, probably hysterically. The last person she ever expected to see standing there was Jesus. I think I can buy that it might have taken her five seconds to figure out who He was.

I love the fact that John points out that the doors were locked and that Jesus simply appeared among them. No explanation. This wasn’t anything that had happened before. This feels so first hand.

Then there is the “Doubting” Thomas thing. Either Thomas really needed this kind of proof or this was all made up to deceive us. There are many who are quick to buy the idea that it was all made up to deceive. They would have us believe that the most wonderful mortal and spiritual teaching with the greatest message of hope the world has ever known came from a group of clever liars who basically got nothing but trouble during their lifetimes for their testimony. I find it easier to believe that Thomas actually put his fingers into the nail prints is the hands of the Risen Christ then fell to his knees and declared, “My Lord, and my God!”

I have other thoughts as well, but in the interest of full disclosure, these are shared so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.