The Bible Says Commentary on John 20

John 20:1-2: Mary Magdalene arrives at Jesus's tomb: John 20:1-2 describes Mary Magdalene coming to Jesus's tomb early on the first day of the week while it was still dark. When she sees that the stone has been removed from the tomb, she runs to Peter and John. Mary tells them that the Lord has been taken from the tomb and that she and the other women do not know where His body has been laid.

John 20:3-10: Peter and John Enter the Empty Tomb: Peter and John run to Jesus's tomb after Mary Magdalene reports that His body is missing. John arrives first and looks inside, but Peter enters the tomb first and sees the empty linen wrappings and face-cloth that had covered Jesus's body. John then enters the tomb, sees the evidence, and believes, though neither disciple yet understands the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. They return to their homes.

John 20:11-18: Jesus's First Resurrection Appearance: Mary Magdalene remains at the tomb after Peter and John depart. While weeping, she sees two angels inside the tomb and then encounters the risen Jesus, though she initially mistakes Him for the gardener. When Jesus calls her by name, Mary recognizes Him, and Jesus commissions her to announce His resurrection to the disciples, making her the first witness of the risen Lord.

John 20:26-29: Jesus appears to Thomas: Eight days later Jesus again appeared to His disciples while they were gathered behind locked doors, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to examine His hands and side and urged him to stop doubting and believe. Thomas responded by confessing, "My Lord and my God!," and Jesus declared that those who believe without seeing are blessed. This is Jesus's sixth recorded appearance after His resurrection.