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John Chapter Study

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

John 20 (KJV)

John 20 records the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the most important event in the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. After His crucifixion and burial, the tomb is found empty, and Jesus begins appearing to His followers. This chapter moves from confusion and grief to clarity and joy as the disciples come to understand that Jesus is alive. From Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord to Thomas’ moment of doubt and belief, John 20 shows that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a personal reality that calls for faith. This chapter declares that Jesus has conquered death and offers life to all who believe.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith
• How the empty tomb confirms that Jesus truly rose from the dead
• What the first witnesses reveal about belief, doubt, and understanding
• How Jesus reveals Himself personally to His followers
• Why faith in the risen Christ leads to life
• What it means to believe without seeing

Jesus is risen, and through believing in Him, we have life in His name.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse by Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

John 20:3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

John 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

John 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

John 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

John 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

John 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

John 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

John 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

John 20:13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

John 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 20:1

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Study: Mary Magdalene comes early while it is still dark and sees the stone removed. Historically, tombs were sealed with heavy stones. Spiritually, the removed stone signals that something has changed. Practically, God often begins His greatest works in moments that still feel dark and uncertain.

John 20:2

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Study: Mary assumes the body has been taken and runs to tell the disciples. Spiritually, this shows how human understanding can misread God’s work before the full truth is seen. Practically, believers should be careful not to jump to conclusions in moments of grief or confusion.

John 20:3

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

Study: Peter and the other disciple immediately go to investigate. Spiritually, this shows a desire to seek truth. Practically, when confronted with confusion, the right response is to seek what is true rather than remain passive.

John 20:4

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Study: The urgency is evident as they run to the tomb. Spiritually, the resurrection demands attention and response. Practically, the pursuit of truth should be active, not delayed.

John 20:5

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Study: The disciple sees the linen clothes but hesitates to enter. Spiritually, observation alone is not the same as full understanding. Practically, seeing evidence is important, but deeper engagement with truth is often required.

John 20:6

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

Study: Peter goes directly into the tomb and sees the linen clothes. Spiritually, his boldness brings him face to face with evidence of the resurrection. Practically, believers should not be afraid to investigate truth carefully and honestly.

John 20:7

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Study: The napkin is found wrapped separately from the linen clothes. Spiritually, this points to order, not chaos or grave robbery. Practically, the details of the resurrection account support its truth and reliability.

John 20:8

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Study: The other disciple enters, sees, and believes. Spiritually, faith begins to form as evidence is understood. Practically, belief often grows as truth is personally encountered and processed.

John 20:9

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Study: The disciples had not yet fully understood the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. Spiritually, God’s Word is essential for interpreting God’s work. Practically, believers should grow in Scripture so they can recognize and understand what God is doing.

John 20:10

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

Study: The disciples return home while still processing what has happened. Spiritually, understanding often comes in stages. Practically, believers can be patient when faith and understanding are still growing.

John 20:11

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

Study: Mary remains near the tomb, weeping. Spiritually, her grief shows her love and devotion. Practically, those who stay near the Lord in sorrow often experience deeper encounters with His presence and truth.

John 20:12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

Study: Mary sees two angels where Jesus’ body had lain. Spiritually, heaven bears witness to the resurrection. Practically, God’s work often includes unseen realities beyond what people first understand.

John 20:13

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

Study: Mary explains her grief and confusion. Spiritually, she loves the Lord but does not yet understand the resurrection. Practically, sincere devotion does not always mean full understanding, but Jesus meets His people in their confusion.

John 20:14

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Study: Mary sees Jesus standing but does not recognize Him. Spiritually, grief and expectation can cloud perception. Practically, the risen Christ may be nearer than we realize, even when our sorrow prevents us from recognizing Him clearly.

John 20:15

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Study: Jesus asks Mary why she is weeping and whom she is seeking. Mary mistakes Him for the gardener and continues searching for a body. Spiritually, she is looking for what she expects rather than recognizing what God has done. Practically, believers should allow Christ to correct their expectations with resurrection truth.

John 20:16

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Study: Jesus calls Mary by name, and she recognizes Him. Spiritually, the risen Christ knows His people personally. Practically, faith becomes deeply personal when we recognize that Jesus is not distant; He calls His own by name.

John 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Study: Jesus gives Mary a message for the disciples. He speaks of His coming ascension and identifies His followers as brethren. Spiritually, the resurrection brings believers into a new relationship with the Father through Christ. Practically, encountering the risen Jesus leads to being sent with truth to share.

John 20:18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Study: Mary obeys Jesus and tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord. Spiritually, she becomes an early witness of the resurrection. Practically, those who have encountered Christ are called to testify faithfully about what He has done and said.

John 20:19

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Study: The disciples are gathered behind closed doors because of fear, yet Jesus comes and stands among them. His first words are peace. Spiritually, the risen Christ brings peace into fear. Practically, locked doors and anxious hearts cannot keep Jesus from ministering to His people.

John 20:20

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Study: Jesus shows His wounds to confirm His identity. The crucified One is truly risen. Spiritually, resurrection joy is tied to the reality of the cross. Practically, believers can have gladness because the wounds of Christ prove both His sacrifice and His victory.

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Study: Jesus repeats His peace and commissions the disciples. As the Father sent Him, He sends them. Spiritually, resurrection peace leads to mission. Practically, believers are not only comforted by Christ; they are sent by Christ to bear witness in the world.

John 20:22

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Study: Jesus breathes on the disciples and speaks of receiving the Holy Ghost. Spiritually, this points to new life and divine empowerment for mission. Practically, believers cannot fulfill Christ’s calling in human strength alone; they need the work and presence of the Spirit.

John 20:23

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Study: Jesus speaks of the disciples’ role in proclaiming forgiveness through the gospel. Spiritually, forgiveness is found through Christ, and the message of that forgiveness is entrusted to His witnesses. Practically, believers carry a serious responsibility to declare the truth about sin, repentance, and forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

John 20:24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Study: Thomas is absent when Jesus first appears to the disciples. Spiritually, his absence sets up a struggle with doubt and belief. Practically, isolation or absence from fellowship can delay encouragement and understanding, which is why believers need spiritual community.

John 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Study: Thomas refuses to believe without physical evidence. Spiritually, this shows the struggle of doubt and the desire for certainty. Practically, doubt should be brought to Jesus rather than hidden or allowed to harden into unbelief.

John 20:26

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Study: Jesus appears again with Thomas present and again speaks peace. Spiritually, Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt without abandoning him. Practically, Christ is patient with struggling faith, but He also calls people forward into belief.

John 20:27

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Study: Jesus directly addresses Thomas’ doubts and invites him to examine the wounds. Spiritually, Jesus gives grace while also commanding faith. Practically, Christ does not leave doubt unchallenged; He calls people to stop being faithless and believe.

John 20:28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Study: Thomas responds with a powerful confession of faith, calling Jesus his Lord and God. Spiritually, this affirms the deity of Christ and the personal nature of saving faith. Practically, true belief does not merely accept facts about Jesus; it worships and submits to Him personally.

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Study: Jesus acknowledges Thomas’ belief but blesses those who believe without seeing. Spiritually, this speaks directly to future believers who trust the testimony of Scripture. Practically, faith today is not weaker because we have not physically seen Jesus; it is blessed when rooted in the truth God has given.

John 20:30

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

Study: John explains that Jesus did many other signs not recorded in this Gospel. Spiritually, Scripture gives a faithful and purposeful record, not an exhaustive biography. Practically, believers can trust that what God has preserved is sufficient for faith and discipleship.

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Study: John states the purpose of his Gospel: that readers would believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and receive life through His name. Spiritually, Scripture calls for faith that leads to life. Practically, Bible study should never stop at information; it should lead to belief, worship, and transformed life.

John 20 presents the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the defining moment of the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb, leading to confusion among the disciples. As Peter and the other disciple investigate, they find the burial cloths left behind, pointing to a purposeful and miraculous event rather than a theft. Mary remains at the tomb and becomes the first to encounter the risen Christ, though she does not recognize Him until He calls her by name. Jesus then appears to the disciples, bringing peace into their fear, showing them His wounds, and commissioning them to continue His mission. Thomas, initially absent, struggles with doubt and demands physical proof, yet Jesus meets him in his doubt and calls him to believe, resulting in a clear confession of Jesus as Lord and God. The chapter concludes with a statement of purpose: these events are recorded so that people may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through believing they may have life. John 20 shows that the resurrection transforms fear into peace, doubt into faith, and death into life.

Lord Jesus, thank You for rising from the dead and conquering sin and death. Thank You that the empty tomb is the foundation of my hope and the proof of Your power. Help me to believe fully, even when I cannot see. Strengthen my faith where there is doubt, and remind me that You are alive and present. Fill my heart with Your peace, and give me boldness to live for You and share the truth of Your resurrection. Teach me to walk in the new life You have given, and to trust You in every season. Amen.

• Read John 20 slowly at least three times this week
• Memorize John 20:31 and reflect on its meaning daily
• Write down any doubts or questions and bring them to God in prayer
• Share the truth of the resurrection with at least one person
• Spend time thanking Jesus for His victory over sin and death
• Reflect on how your life should change because Jesus is alive
• Journal what it means to have life through His name

John 20 presents the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the turning point of the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb, leading to confusion and concern among the disciples. As Peter and the other disciple investigate, they find the burial cloths left behind, pointing to something far greater than a simple removal of the body. Mary remains at the tomb and becomes the first to encounter the risen Christ, though she initially does not recognize Him until He calls her by name, revealing the personal nature of the resurrection. Jesus then appears to the disciples, bringing peace to their fear, showing them His wounds, and commissioning them to continue His mission. Thomas struggles with doubt and demands proof, yet Jesus meets him in his doubt and calls him to believe, leading Thomas to declare Jesus as both Lord and God. Jesus then teaches that those who believe without seeing are blessed, pointing forward to future generations of believers. The chapter concludes by stating its purpose: that these events are written so that people may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through that belief they may have life. John 20 emphasizes that the resurrection is not only a historical reality but a personal invitation to faith, transforming doubt into belief and offering eternal life through Jesus Christ.

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