Abide Together: Reflections on John 20

In John 20, Mary Magdalene found the stone at the tomb of Jesus to be rolled away, so she ran to tell Peter and John.  They both came to the tomb and found it to only contain the cloths that had been used to wrap Jesus’ body.  Peter and John left the tomb to return home, but Mary stayed at the tomb.  Jesus appeared to Mary and told her to go tell the disciples that He had risen.  Mary told them and when they were gathered together on that day, Jesus appeared to them all except Thomas who was not present at the time.  Thomas did not believe until eight days later when Jesus appeared to him and the others again. John then records the purpose of his writing of the Gospel when he writes in verse 21, “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”  All throughout John he has stressed the importance of believing and has shown what false belief and true belief look like.  False belief has been presented as that which believes in Jesus for some temporary gain such as; defeating the Romans, healing a disease, or fulfilling physical hunger.  True and saving belief has been presented as that which believes you are a sinner separated from God who needs someone to rescue you from the penalty of your sin (the wrath of God).  True believe also believes that God the Father sent Jesus to die in your place to pay the penalty of your sin and then turns form trusting in self and trusts in Jesus’ payment for your sin.  O Lord, thank you for Jesus’ payment for my sin and for the faith to trust in HIS payment for my sin.

– Bryan McKenzie