Lessons from John 20: Too Good to Be True

Let me ask you, have you ever seen or heard something that seemed too good to be true? Something that seemed to be difficult to believe in. We all have! In fact, if truth be told I believe that is what the concept of marketing or advertising is based on. Companies pay a substantial amount of money to advertise their products in order that people might believe and therefore buy their product or products.

Unlike the advertising world, John as a disciple of Jesus continues to provide us, and those who will take the time to study the Words of God through the Bible, with more than enough evidence or proof that Jesus Christ, the unique Son of God and Son of Man had indeed been resurrected after His death on the cross.

John’s aim in providing these truths is found in verse 31 where he states that these things are written that the readers throughout history might place their faith or belief Jesus is the Christ, the unique Son of God and the sinless Son of Man, the Promised Messiah, and that by believing all may have life in His name.

Therefore, what John is stating is that belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus provides new life both now and for eternity.

Now with that in mind, let’s join John as he provides us with the evidence of the resurrection that not only convinced him but also the grieving Mary Magdalene, the fearful disciples, and even doubting Thomas.

I. John believes—John 20:1-9

II. Mary Magdalene believes—John 20:10-18

III. The other disciples and Thomas believe—John 20:19-31

John has already provided us with the proofs, prophecy, and provision for Jesus’ death on the cross and burial in the previous chapter. We can only imagine the devastating effects all this had on the disciples, the four women who had stood with John near the cross, and any others who had indeed believed that Jesus was their King, their Promised Messiah. As far as they were concerned it was all over. Their hopes, their dreams, and beliefs were shattered into a million little pieces that seemed to be scattered everywhere.

And the question that ran through some of their minds must have been, “Had this all been for not?” The disciples had left everything they had behind, their families, their occupations and now all that they had lived for over the past three years as disciples or followers of Jesus, it all seemed to have come to a crashing halt.

And amidst the chaos and confusion the question or concern whether spoken out loud or not must have been, would they too suffer the same punishment as Jesus, because they proclaimed to be His followers?

These followers of Jesus were filled with grief, fear, and doubt and they clearly did not understand what all this meant. How were they to pick up the pieces and move forward? It just didn’t make sense! And so from their perspective, the situation appeared to be hopeless!

Ever felt like that? Yes, I am sure we all have at one time or another. But, let’s not leave Jesus and His resurrection power out of the equation. Though Friday, may have seemed like the darkest night, Sunday brought forth the glorious light of truth. Jesus had already told them in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! “

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach