Easter Season · Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) · Year C
John 20:19-31
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
April 23, 2028
Overview & Insights
“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
The scene shifts from the tomb in the garden to a locked room somewhere in Jerusalem, and from “early on the first day of the week” (v. 1) to the evening of that first day of the week (v. 19). Despite the faith of the beloved disciple (v. 8) and despite the message brought by Mary Magdalene (v. 18), the disciples as a group are still afraid. Their reaction to her message is not recorded in John’s Gospel, but another tradition appended to Mark by later scribes states that after Mary had seen Jesus she “went and told those who had been with him” and found them “mourning and weeping. When they heard her say that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it” (Mark 16:10; cf. the apostles’ reaction to the report of the women who had seen the angels at the tomb according to Luke 24:11).
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Commentary
Commentary on John 20:19-31 Working Preacher
Working Preacher's commentary on Thomas's demand for proof and Jesus' second appearance to the disciples.
John 20 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on John 20, including the Thomas episode.
John 20 Commentary Precept Austin
Devotional, word-study-heavy commentary with cross references on John 20.
John 20:19 Commentaries BibleHub
Collects classic commentaries verse by verse on John 20:19.
Returning, Easter 2 (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Easter 2 Year C sermon from the Episcopal Church's preaching library, drawing on Shelly Rambo's theology of wounds.
Background & Word Study
John 20:19 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text of John 20:19 with word-by-word parsing and Strong's numbers.
John 13-21 Video BibleProject
An animated overview of the second half of John's Gospel, including the resurrection appearances.
Gospel of John Course Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introductory course on the structure and themes of John's Gospel.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
What happens when Jesus appears to the disciples?
The risen Jesus comes through locked doors, gives them peace and the Holy Spirit, and a week later invites doubting Thomas to touch his wounds; Thomas confesses him Lord and God.
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