📘 Companion Resource
These study notes align with The Gospels Discipleship Journal (John Reading) — a structured, Scripture-first guide designed to help you build daily habits of reading, reflection, and prayer.
If you want to move from occasional reading to consistent spiritual formation, this journal walks you step-by-step through the Gospel accounts in chronological order, helping you see the life of Jesus unfold clearly and cohesively.
👉 Get The Gospels Discipleship JournalBig Idea
Jesus rises from the dead, transforms doubt into faith, and sends His followers out with peace, purpose, and the promise of life in His name.
How to Use These MTSM Study Notes
These study notes are designed to provide foundational insight into the passage you have read in The Gospels Discipleship Journal .
Before reading these notes, spend time with the Scripture itself. Wrestle with the text. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.
These notes are meant to supplement your reading — not replace it. They are a guide to help you understand the passage more clearly, not a substitute for personal engagement with God’s Word.
Introduction
The cross was not the end of the story.
John 20 records the most significant event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Through eyewitnesses like Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, and Thomas, we see that the resurrection is not just a belief—it is a historical reality that changes everything.
What begins with grief at a tomb ends with joy, peace, and mission.
The Empty Tomb (John 20:1–9)
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away.
Her first reaction was not faith—but confusion.
She ran to Peter and John and said:
“They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
Peter and John immediately ran to the tomb.
- John arrived first and looked inside, seeing the linen wrappings
- Peter entered and saw the burial cloth folded neatly apart
This was not the scene of a robbery.
There was no chaos—only order.
Then John entered:
“He saw and believed.”
But even then, their understanding was incomplete.
They believed something had happened—but they did not yet fully grasp that Jesus had risen just as Scripture promised.
The empty tomb sparked faith—but full clarity would come when they saw Jesus Himself.
The First Witness (John 20:10–18)
After the disciples left, Mary remained at the tomb, weeping.
She looked inside and saw two angels.
Then she turned—and saw Jesus.
But she didn’t recognize Him.
Thinking He was the gardener, she pleaded for help finding the body.
Then everything changed.
Jesus spoke one word:
“Mary!”
At the sound of her name, she recognized Him instantly.
Her sorrow turned to joy:
“Rabboni!” (Teacher)
Jesus told her:
“Don’t cling to me… Go find my brothers and tell them…”
Mary became the first witness of the resurrection, declaring:
“I have seen the Lord!”
This moment highlights the grace of God.
A woman once delivered from demons became the first messenger of the risen King.
Jesus meets people personally—and then sends them to share the good news.
Peace for the Disciples (John 20:19–23)
That evening, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors, afraid.
Suddenly, Jesus stood among them and said:
“Peace be with you.”
He showed them His hands and His side.
This was the same Jesus—crucified, now alive.
Their fear turned into joy.
Again, Jesus said:
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
Then He breathed on them and said:
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
This was a moment of preparation—pointing forward to the full empowerment that would come at Pentecost.
Jesus also gave them authority to proclaim forgiveness:
Their role was not to forgive sins themselves, but to declare the forgiveness available through Him.
The resurrection does not just bring peace—it sends us on mission.
Doubt Turned to Faith (John 20:24–29)
Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared.
When the others told him:
“We have seen the Lord!”
He refused to believe.
He said he needed to see and touch Jesus’ wounds for himself.
A week later, Jesus appeared again.
He invited Thomas:
“Put your finger here… Put your hand into my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
Thomas responded with one of the strongest declarations in all of Scripture:
“My Lord and my God!”
Jesus accepted his confession—but also gave a broader blessing:
“Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
Thomas shows us that doubt is not the end of faith.
When doubt meets the risen Christ, it can become unshakable belief.
The Purpose of the Gospel (John 20:30–31)
John closes the chapter with a clear purpose:
Jesus did many other signs that are not recorded.
But these were written for one reason:
So that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that by believing, you may have life in His name.
The resurrection is not just something to study.
It is something to believe.
And through belief comes life—real, lasting, eternal life.
Conclusion
John 20 moves us from confusion to clarity.
- The tomb is empty
- Jesus is alive
- Doubt is confronted
- Faith is awakened
- The mission begins
This is not just the end of the Gospel.
It is the beginning of a new life for everyone who believes.
Truths and Lessons for Today
1. The Resurrection Turns Despair into Hope
Mary came to the tomb grieving—but left rejoicing when she encountered the risen Jesus.
🡲 Application: Bring your pain and confusion to Christ. He meets you personally and brings hope.
📖 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, ‘Rabboni!’” (John 20:16, NLT)
2. Faith Means Trusting Without Seeing
Thomas wanted proof, but Jesus blesses those who believe without physical sight.
🡲 Application: Trust God’s Word even when you don’t see the full picture.
📖 “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:29, NLT)
3. The Resurrection Sends Us on Mission
Jesus gives peace—but He also sends His people into the world with His message.
🡲 Application: Live as a witness of the risen Christ in your everyday life.
📖 “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21, NLT)
Want to go deeper?
Our MTSM 3-Tiered Commentary offers richer context and greater insight for those who want more than surface-level notes. It’s a great next step in studying God’s Word.
John 17 MTSM Commentary
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