Easter · Second Sunday of Easter · 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).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
John 20 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries side by side on the locked-room appearance and Thomas.
John 20 Commentary: The Resurrection of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on Jesus' appearances and Thomas's confession.
John 20 Commentary Precept Austin
An index of older public-domain commentaries on the chapter.
John 20:19-31 Commentary Working Preacher
Unpacks the difference between doubt and unbelief in Thomas's response.
John 20:19-31 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A preaching-focused reading of the peace Jesus gives and Thomas's confession.
Background & Word Study
John 20 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the apistos (unbelieving) word study on Thomas.
John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on John's Gospel and its distinctive resurrection accounts.
John Overview BibleProject
Orients preachers to John's storyline before entering the upper-room scene.
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.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 20:19-31
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.