John 20 of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a pivotal chapter in Christian scripture, detailing the momentous events following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This chapter recounts the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus’ appearances to Mary Magdalene and later to His disciples, and the powerful encounter with Thomas, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” Understanding John 20 Kjv is crucial for grasping the foundational beliefs of Christianity and the profound implications of Jesus’ victory over death.
The Discovery of the Empty Tomb (John 20:1-10)
The narrative begins early on the first day of the week, as Mary Magdalene approaches the sepulchre while it is still dark. She is met with an astonishing sight: the stone sealing the tomb has been rolled away. Overwhelmed and assuming the body of Jesus has been stolen, Mary runs to inform Simon Peter and “the other disciple, whom Jesus loved,” traditionally understood to be John himself. Her urgent message, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him,” sets the stage for the disciples’ investigation.
Peter and John immediately set out for the sepulchre. John, being faster, arrives first but hesitates to enter. Peter catches up and boldly enters the tomb. Inside, they find the linen clothes that had wrapped Jesus’ body, lying there, and notably, the napkin that had been around Jesus’ head was folded and set apart from the other linens. This detail is significant, suggesting order and purpose, not a hasty removal.
John then enters the tomb and, upon seeing the scene, “believed.” However, the scripture clarifies, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” Their belief at this point is likely an understanding that something miraculous had occurred, although the full comprehension of resurrection was yet to dawn on them. The disciples then return to their own homes, still processing the bewildering events.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
Mary Magdalene remains at the sepulchre, weeping. Her grief and confusion are palpable. As she weeps, she stoops down and looks into the sepulchre again and sees “two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.” The angels inquire, “Woman, why weepest thou?” Mary reiterates her distress, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” Her focus remains on the missing body, not yet grasping the possibility of resurrection.
Turning away from the tomb, Mary encounters Jesus himself, though initially, she does not recognize Him. Jesus asks her the same question as the angels, “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” Mistaking Him for the gardener, Mary pleads, “Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” Her devotion and determination are evident in her willingness to take on such a task.
Jesus then speaks a single word, “Mary.” Instantly, she recognizes His voice. Turning to Him, she exclaims in Hebrew, “Rabboni,” meaning “Master.” Her joy and recognition are immediate and profound. Jesus instructs her, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” This enigmatic instruction has been interpreted in various ways, but it underscores the transition Jesus is undergoing and His impending ascension. Mary Magdalene becomes the first witness commissioned to proclaim the resurrection to the other disciples, faithfully delivering the message, “I have seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)
Later that same day, in the evening, Jesus appears to the disciples. They are gathered together, doors shut, “for fear of the Jews.” This detail highlights the atmosphere of apprehension and uncertainty among Jesus’ followers in the wake of His crucifixion. Despite the locked doors, Jesus comes and stands in their midst, offering a powerful greeting, “Peace be unto you.”
To reassure them and prove His identity, Jesus shows them “his hands and his side,” displaying the wounds of His crucifixion. The disciples are filled with joy at seeing the Lord. Jesus repeats His greeting of peace, and then commissions them, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” This is a profound moment of empowerment and continuation of Jesus’ mission through His disciples.
Further emphasizing their empowerment, Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” He then bestows upon them the authority to forgive sins, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” This passage is often interpreted in the context of the apostles’ role in preaching the Gospel and administering sacraments, signifying the spiritual authority given to the early church.
Jesus and Doubting Thomas (John 20:24-31)
The narrative then shifts to a later appearance, specifically to address the doubt of Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, who was not present during Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples. When the other disciples tell Thomas, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas expresses profound skepticism. He declares, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” This statement has led to Thomas being famously known as “Doubting Thomas,” though his doubt is arguably understandable given the extraordinary nature of the resurrection.
Eight days later, the disciples are together again, and this time Thomas is with them. Once more, despite the closed doors, Jesus appears and stands in their midst, offering His greeting of peace. He directly addresses Thomas, inviting him to overcome his doubt through physical proof: “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”
Thomas’s response is immediate and unequivocal. He does not need to physically touch Jesus. Overwhelmed by Jesus’ presence and power, Thomas proclaims, “My Lord and my God.” This is the highest confession of faith in the Gospel of John, recognizing Jesus not only as Lord but also as God. Jesus affirms Thomas’s belief but also broadens the scope to future believers, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” This verse is particularly significant for Christians throughout history who have not had the physical experience of seeing Jesus, emphasizing the blessedness of faith based on testimony and spiritual understanding.
The chapter concludes by stating that Jesus performed many other signs not recorded in the Gospel. The purpose of writing these specific signs, particularly those in John 20, is explicitly stated: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20 KJV, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus, inviting readers to faith and eternal life through Him.
This exploration of John 20 KJV reveals the chapter’s central role in Christian theology. It meticulously details the resurrection events, emphasizing the reality of the empty tomb, the personal encounters with the resurrected Christ, and the importance of faith. The chapter moves from initial disbelief and grief to profound faith and joyful proclamation, mirroring the journey of many believers throughout history. “John 20 KJV” remains a cornerstone for understanding the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its life-transforming power.
