Preaching Gospel miracle stories as signs of the kingdom: A Step-by-Step Guide
Short answer: In John 20:30-31, we learn that many signs were performed by Jesus in front of His disciples but not all are written. The reason for this omission is clear: these accounts are recorded so that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and believing brings life in His name.
The Setting Of The Empty Tomb
John 20 begins with Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb early on the first day of the week. She finds it empty and runs to inform Peter and another disciple, creating a narrative that sets up the disciples' journey toward discovery. This scene occurs in an environment marked by confusion and uncertainty; none of them fully understand what has happened yet. The setting is crucial as it introduces key characters and establishes the emotional tone of loss and hope.
The tomb's emptiness is not merely a physical reality but a spiritual turning point. The disciples' hurried response to Mary's news shows their urgency, even in the face of doubt. This early part of John 20 provides context that prepares readers for what follows: the discovery by Peter and the other disciple, as well as Mary's encounter with Jesus. These initial events are not only about the physical tomb but also about the unfolding revelation of Christ's resurrection.
The disciples' journey to the tomb reflects a human response to loss, seeking answers in places that once held meaning. The empty tomb symbolizes both absence and promise, pointing toward something greater than their immediate understanding. As they approach it, readers are invited into the unfolding story of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
The setting also includes the broader context of first-century Jewish beliefs about resurrection, which were often reserved for the end times. Yet here, in this early scene, there is already a hint that something extraordinary has occurred at the tomb, a glimpse of what will be fully revealed as the story unfolds.
The Discovery At The Tomb
When Peter and the other disciple arrive at the tomb, they find it empty. However, their initial observations are not enough to fully grasp the significance of what has happened. The other disciple, who arrives first, sees the linen cloths lying there but does not enter the tomb. His reaction is one of curiosity rather than complete understanding.
Peter then enters and sees the linen cloths as well as the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, rolled up in a place by itself. This detail is significant, it suggests order and intentionality, even in the midst of an event that seems chaotic to human eyes. The placement of the cloth indicates that something has occurred with purpose and precision.
The other disciple, after seeing this, enters and believes. His belief comes not from a full understanding but from what he sees, this is an early form of faith based on evidence rather than complete comprehension. This moment marks a turning point for both disciples as they begin to process the reality that Jesus has risen.
These details are carefully included by John because they reflect the unfolding revelation of Jesus' resurrection. The tomb, once a place of death and despair, now becomes a site of transformation. Readers are invited into this discovery alongside Peter and the other disciple, experiencing the moment through their eyes as evidence of Christ's triumph over death.
Mary Magdalene's Encounter With Jesus
While the disciples are at the tomb, Mary remains outside, weeping. Her grief is palpable, and she is deeply affected by the absence of her Lord. When she looks into the tomb, she sees two angels who ask why she is weeping. She tells them that Jesus has been taken away, expressing both sorrow and a longing for answers.
Mary's emotional state is central to this part of the narrative. Her grief is not only about losing Jesus but also about the uncertainty of His future. The presence of the angels introduces a divine element into her experience, this is no ordinary moment in human history. They speak directly to Mary, which underscores the significance of what has taken place.
Jesus then appears to her, though she does not immediately recognize Him. Her initial mistake in identifying Him as the gardener shows that even those closest to Jesus can struggle with belief when faced with something beyond their expectations. This moment highlights both human frailty and divine grace, Mary is given a second chance to recognize Jesus through His voice.
When Jesus calls her by name, "Mary," she recognizes Him immediately and responds, "Rabboni!" which means "Teacher." Her transformation from grief-stricken mourner to joyful believer captures the power of personal encounter with the risen Christ. This scene is a powerful illustration of how faith can be born out of sorrow when met with divine revelation.
The Commissioning Of The Disciples
After Mary's encounter, Jesus commissions His disciples to carry on His mission. He tells them not to hold onto Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father but asks them to go and tell His brothers that He is ascending to God. This moment marks a transition from Jesus' physical presence among them to His spiritual commissioning of them for ministry.
The disciples are now entrusted with the task of continuing Jesus' work on earth. They have witnessed His resurrection, which gives them authority and purpose. Their mission includes both spreading the message that Jesus is alive and preparing others for His ascension into heaven. This is a critical moment in their journey from followers to apostles.
Jesus also bestows upon them the Holy Spirit through breathing on them, symbolizing the impartation of life and power. This act connects back to Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, showing that this moment is not only about spiritual empowerment but also a new beginning for humanity in Christ.
This commissioning sets the stage for what will follow, Jesus' ascension and the disciples' mission to spread His message. It underscores the shift from Jesus being physically present among them to Him being spiritually active through their ministry. The authority given to the disciples is not only about preaching but also about forgiving or retaining sins, highlighting the importance of their role in God's redemptive plan.
Thomas' Doubt And Jesus' Response
Not all the disciples are present when Jesus appears to them. Thomas, one of the twelve, is absent and expresses his doubt by saying he will not believe unless he sees the wounds in Jesus' hands and side. His skepticism reflects a common human struggle with faith, needing tangible evidence before believing.
Thomas' absence creates tension within the group. The other disciples tell him that they have seen the Lord, but Thomas remains unconvinced without personal experience of Jesus' resurrection. This moment highlights the contrast between those who believe based on others' testimony and those who require their own encounter with God's presence.
Jesus later returns to be with them again, this time including Thomas. He invites Thomas to touch His wounds, saying, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side." This act of kindness is not only about proving Jesus' identity but also about affirming the legitimacy of Thomas' doubt.
Thomas' response,"My Lord and my God!", is a profound statement that captures both his belief in Jesus as divine and his recognition of Jesus' authority. However, Jesus does not merely respond to Thomas' doubt; He uses this moment to highlight the blessing of those who believe without seeing. This underscores the importance of faith beyond physical evidence.
The Purpose Of The Gospel
John 20:30-31 concludes with a clear statement about the purpose of the Gospel, Jesus performed many other signs, but not all were written down. The reason for this omission is given explicitly: these accounts are recorded so that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and believing brings life in His name.
This final section ties together everything that has been revealed throughout John's Gospel. It reminds readers that faith in Jesus as the Messiah leads to eternal life, which is the central message of the book. The signs and miracles are not just for spectacle but serve a deeper purpose: they point toward the identity and mission of Christ.
John emphasizes that belief is essential, not merely intellectual assent but a transformative faith that results in new life through Jesus. This statement also highlights the Gospel's role as an invitation to all who will hear it, regardless of whether they have seen Jesus with their own eyes or not.
This conclusion reinforces the central truth that God has acted in history through Jesus' death and resurrection. The purpose of John's account is not only historical but also theological: to reveal the identity of Christ as both divine and human, and to invite readers into a relationship with Him.
For more on this passage, see John 20 Bible Study: Meaning, Context, and Key Themes.
For more on this passage, see John 19 Bible Study: Meaning, Context, and Key Themes.
For more on this passage, see John 21 Bible Study: Meaning, Context, and Key Themes.
For more on this passage, see John 18 Bible Study: Meaning, Context, and Key Themes.
Biblical fidelity check
John 20:30-31 must be read carefully because it presents Jesus' resurrection not only as an event but also as the foundation for faith. The key interpretive risk is interpreting these verses as a promise of guaranteed physical miracles or signs in our time, which would misread John's purpose. However, what stays central is the theological truth that believing in Jesus brings eternal life, a message that transcends historical context and applies universally to all who will trust in Him. This passage should not be used to predict future events or create a checklist of required experiences but rather to affirm that faith in Christ leads to transformation. The emphasis on belief without seeing (as seen with Thomas) also highlights the importance of spiritual discernment over physical proof, reinforcing that God's work often reveals itself through faith and trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why does John say not all signs are written in this book?
John writes that many other signs were performed by Jesus but not all are included because the purpose of his Gospel is to lead readers to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that believing brings life. The omission emphasizes that faith is central, not a collection of miracles.
What does it mean to 'have life in His name'?
'Having life in His name' refers to the spiritual transformation that comes from believing in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. This life is not just physical but eternal, resulting from a relationship with Christ through faith.
Why did Thomas need to see Jesus' wounds before he believed?
Thomas expressed doubt because he needed tangible proof of Jesus' resurrection. However, his belief after seeing the wounds highlights that even those who doubt can come to faith when they encounter Christ directly, though faith without physical evidence is also blessed.
