The Empty Tomb: John 20 and the Resurrection of Jesus

The Discovery of the Empty Tomb

• 💡 Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene discovered the stone removed from Jesus' tomb.
• 🏃‍♂️ Simon Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved raced to the tomb, with the latter arriving first and looking inside.
• 🧐 Peter then entered the tomb and observed the linen cloths and the head cloth lying separately, indicating the body was gone.
• ✨ The disciple whom Jesus loved also entered and believed, though they did not yet fully understand the resurrection from scripture.

Mary Magdalene's Encounter with the Risen Lord

• 😭 Mary Magdalene, weeping outside the tomb, saw two angels who asked why she was crying.
• 👤 She then saw Jesus standing there but did not recognize him until he called her by name, saying, "Mary."
• 🗣️ Responding with "Rabboni" (teacher), she recognized him, and Jesus instructed her to go tell his brothers.
• 📣 Mary Magdalene became the first witness to the risen Lord, sharing the news that she had seen him.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

• 🚪 On the evening of the first day, Jesus appeared to his disciples in an upper room with the doors locked, saying, "Peace be with you."
• 🙏 He showed them his hands and side, and they were overjoyed. He then commissioned them, saying, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you," and breathed on them, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
• 🔑 The power to forgive or retain sins was given to them, signifying their authority.

Thomas's Doubt and Belief

• 🚶‍♂️ Thomas, one of the twelve, was not present when Jesus first appeared and expressed doubt, stating he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks and touched Jesus' side.
• 🌟 A week later, Jesus appeared again with Thomas present, inviting him to examine his wounds and believe.
• 🙏 Thomas responded, "My Lord and my God," and Jesus declared, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

The Purpose of John's Gospel

• 📖 The Gospel of John was written so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
• 🌟 The ultimate purpose is that by believing, readers may have life in his name.
• 🕊️ The study concludes with the host announcing a future series on the Psalms, focusing on prayer in adversity and worship.