The Gospel of John: Come and See the Risen Lord

Sunday we’ll consider John’s presentation of Jesus’ resurrection. John carefully lays out the evidence surrounding his resurrection, forcing his readers to grapple with their response. It’s not just John’s testimony at play, but evidence from multiple witnesses and the detail they present in the case. As a reader, you have the evidence before you and are forced to make a decision. Will you respond like those who are witnesses? Here is where Thomas’ response stands out, “My Lord and my God.” John urges his readers to respond in faith.

But John does something else in the text, utilizing the state of each of the witnesses, he shows the transformation of Jesus’ followers. Mary is filled with grief; the disciples are filled with fear; Thomas is bound by doubt. Each in their condition are tenderly addressed by Jesus who liberates and commissions them in service to his kingdom.

He ends his presentation with the beatitude or “blessing” of Jesus, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Here John uses Jesus’ words to address you and me! So bring your grief, your fear, and your doubt to Jesus and be liberated by the risen Lord.