Focuses on the resurrection of Jesus, His appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, and Thomas’ confession of faith upon seeing the risen Christ.
1 Now on the first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb. 2 She runneth therefore, 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 tomb, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 And they ran both together: and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb; 5 and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths lying; yet entered he not in. 6 Simon Peter therefore also cometh, following him, and entered into the tomb; and he beholdeth the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, that was upon his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then entered in therefore the other disciple also, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11 But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; 12 and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 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. 14 When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 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 hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher. 17 Jesus saith to her, [a]Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and that he had said these things unto her.
19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had said this, he showed unto them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit: 23 whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called [b]Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 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 put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, [c]thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.
American Standard Version (ASV)
We have referenced the American Standard Version in the passage above, which is in the public domain and is without copyright restrictions when quoted in entirety. The Audio Bible version has been produced using the New International Version (NIV) translation.
John Chapter 20 in the Gospel According to John is a chapter of revelation and joy, narrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearances to His disciples. This chapter is crucial in the Christian faith, affirming the reality of Jesus’ victory over death and His continued presence among His followers.
The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find it empty. Her discovery and the subsequent appearance of two angels at the tomb underscore the miraculous nature of the event. Mary’s encounter with the risen Jesus, initially mistaking Him for the gardener, is a poignant moment that turns her grief into joy when she recognizes Him.
John Chapter 20 also recounts Jesus’ appearances to His disciples. In a touching scene, Jesus appears to the disciples, who are gathered in a locked room, and shows them His wounds, offering them peace and breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. This appearance dispels their fear and doubt, transforming them into witnesses of His resurrection.
Additionally, the chapter addresses the skepticism of Thomas, one of the disciples. Thomas’ doubts are resolved when Jesus appears again, inviting him to touch His wounds. This encounter leads to Thomas’ profound confession of faith, “My Lord and my God,” underscoring the significance of belief based on witness and testimony.
The ‘John 20 Audio Bible’ vividly brings to life the events of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearances, providing an engaging and immersive auditory experience. This format allows listeners to deeply connect with the narrative, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of this pivotal chapter.
For anyone exploring the Gospel According to John, especially chapter 20, the ‘John 20 Audio Bible’ is an invaluable resource. It offers a dynamic and accessible way to engage with the scripture, enriching both personal study and spiritual contemplation. The ‘John 20 Audio Bible’ not only aids in understanding the events of the resurrection but also enriches the listener’s spiritual journey, drawing them into the transformative power of Jesus’ victory over death.
