John 20. It is difficult for us to imagine the grief Jesus’ followers experienced at his death. Today we view the suffering on the cross in light of the resurrection, and I imagine that keeps us from fully embracing the grief those who loved Jesus felt prior to his resurrection from the dead.

Mary, Peter, John – they all appear at the garden tomb after two days of mourning. They have come to complete burial rituals that were important in Jewish tradition but also were a part of the grieving process. They are disturbed at the absence of Jesus’ body, presuming it to have been stolen and the grave vandalized. We need to remember that it took the disciples a while to realize what had happened, and to connect it to everything Jesus had said previously.

John records at least four appearances of Jesus to his followers after his resurrection – to Mary (John 20:11-18), to the disciples (John 20:19-20), to Thomas and the disciples again (John 20:24-29), and to the disciples who were out fishing (John 21:1-14).

It’s interesting to think of these appearances collectively. John is specific in noting that Jesus was not simply spiritually resurrected but also had a physical body. Thomas even gets to touch the body of the resurrected Lord and inspect the wounds from crucifixion. These appearances add weight to our theology that proclaims we will all be resurrected in bodily form!

It’s curious though, the disciples do not immediately recognize Jesus, so there must be something different about his resurrected form. Mary did not know it was Jesus when he asked her “Woman why are you weeping?” She imagined him to be the gardener (John 20:14-15). Then he calls her by name “Mary” and she recognizes him! The Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep has called her by name. She knows his voice! (John 10:3-4)

In a similar manner the disciples who were out fishing (John 21) did not immediately recognize Jesus, but Peter, who was very close to Jesus recognized him first. Jesus was revealing himself to those who knew him or those who earnestly sought him (like the disciples walking on the Road to Emmaus in Luke 24).

These last two chapters of John’s gospel are a sweet period where Jesus is affirming to all who knew him that he had been resurrected, just as he said. It was also a period of weaning for the disciples, who had been alongside Jesus in ministry for several years but were about to be sent out to do the work of the kingdom of God without Jesus being present.

What stands out to you from this resurrection chapter?