John Chapter 20 brings us from the tomb to resurrection glory. In John Ch19, Jesus was crucified, buried, and the work of redemption was finished. Now John 20 shows that the crucified Christ is alive. The empty tomb is not merely a symbol of hope. It is the historical victory of Jesus over sin, death, and the grave. For more on the finished work of Christ, see this point further in John Ch19.

The chapter begins early on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb while it is still dark and sees that the stone has been taken away. She runs to Peter and John, thinking the body of Jesus has been moved. At first, even the disciples do not understand. They see the linen cloths and the empty tomb, but the full meaning has not yet settled in their hearts.

This matters because the resurrection is not something the disciples invented because they were expecting it. They were confused, grieving, and slow to understand. The empty tomb confronts them. Grace often meets us before we understand what God is doing.

Mary remains weeping outside the tomb. She sees angels, and then she sees Jesus, but she does not recognize Him at first. Then Jesus says her name: “Mary.” That one word changes everything. The risen Shepherd calls His sheep by name. From a Christian Reformed lens, this is deeply comforting. Salvation is not a vague religious idea. Christ personally knows His people and calls them to Himself.

Jesus tells Mary to go to His brothers and say that He is ascending to His Father and their Father, to His God and their God. Because of Christ’s finished work and resurrection, believers are brought into a new standing. We are not strangers. We are adopted into the family of God. The risen Christ calls His disciples brothers.

This connects beautifully with John Ch17, where Jesus prayed for the people given to Him by the Father and desired that they would be with Him to see His glory. See this point further in John Ch17.

That evening, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus comes and stands among them, saying, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His hands and His side. The peace Jesus gives is not shallow comfort. It is peace purchased by His wounds. The same hands that were pierced now bless His people.

Then Jesus sends them. “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” The resurrection does not end in private relief only. It creates witnesses. Christ sends His church into the world with the message of forgiveness in His name. This connects with Mark Ch16, where the risen Christ sends the Gospel outward after the empty tomb. See this point further in Mark Ch16.

Thomas is not with them when Jesus first appears. When the others tell him they have seen the Lord, he says he will not believe unless he sees and touches the wounds. Eight days later, Jesus comes again and speaks peace. He invites Thomas to see and believe. Thomas answers, “My Lord and my God.”

That confession is the heart of true faith. Jesus is not merely a teacher, prophet, example, or miracle worker. He is Lord and God. The risen Christ receives the worship that belongs to God.

Jesus then says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That includes later believers, including us. We do not see the risen Christ with our physical eyes now, but we believe through the apostolic witness written in Scripture. John tells us exactly why he wrote these things: so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in His name.

John Chapter 20 teaches us that the resurrection is real, personal, and saving.

The tomb is empty.

The Shepherd calls Mary by name.

The risen Christ gives peace to fearful disciples.

The wounded Savior sends His people into the world.

Thomas confesses Jesus as Lord and God.

And John writes so that sinners may believe and have life.

The Christian faith does not rest on vague inspiration.

It rests on the crucified and risen Christ.

And because He lives, His people have peace.