The Risen Savior (John 20)
Scripture: John 20 (CSB)
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
Mary Magdalene is the first to discover the empty tomb, and in her grief, she encounters the risen Jesus, though she doesn’t recognize Him at first. Jesus' tenderness and personal care are evident when He calls her by name, revealing His identity as the risen Lord. Later, Jesus appears to His disciples, bringing peace to their fearful hearts and commissioning them to continue His mission. The chapter closes with Thomas, who doubted until he saw and touched the wounds of Jesus. His confession, “My Lord and my God!” becomes a powerful affirmation of faith.
John concludes this chapter with a clear purpose: that the resurrection of Jesus is written down so that all may believe and, through belief, find life in His name. The resurrection is not just an event of the past but a living reality that offers us hope, new life, and eternal relationship with God.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
The Power of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. Do you live with the hope and power of the resurrection in your daily life? The empty tomb is a reminder that death and sin have been defeated. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this victory, with the assurance that nothing can separate us from the life we have in Christ.
Jesus Knows You by Name: When Mary Magdalene was in her deepest sorrow, Jesus called her by name, revealing His care and love for her. Do you believe that Jesus knows you personally? In moments of confusion, doubt, or grief, remember that Jesus is near, calling you by name and inviting you to encounter His presence.
Faith in the Risen Christ: Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus’ wounds before believing. Yet, Jesus calls those who believe without seeing “blessed.” Is your faith rooted in the truth of the resurrection, even when you don’t have all the answers? Faith is not always about seeing but trusting in the truth of God’s Word. Jesus invites us to believe in Him and receive the life He offers, even when we have questions or doubts.
We Are Sent with a Mission: After appearing to His disciples, Jesus commissions them to go out and continue His work. How are you living out the mission Jesus has given to you? Just as the disciples were sent, we too are called to share the message of the resurrection and bring the hope of Christ to the world.
John 20 reminds us that the resurrection is not just an event to remember, but a truth to live by. It is the foundation of our faith, the source of our hope, and the power that transforms our lives.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the victory of Jesus' resurrection. Help us to live each day in the power and hope of the risen Christ. We are grateful that You know us personally and call us by name, even in our moments of doubt or sorrow. Strengthen our faith, and help us to trust in Your truth, even when we do not see. May we be faithful to the mission You have given us, sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.