John 20

Study Guide 116: John 18-21 GRACE AND GLORY Overview John’ s themes of grace and life, and his emphasis on light versus darkness, find special expression in the final chapters of his Gospel. John, like the other Gospel writers, reported in graphic detail the events that are associated with the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. By comparing the treatment of each of the Gospels, we have a more complete picture of this three-day span than of any other period in ancient history! John’ s emphasis is on triumph — the triumph of truth, the victory of life over the dark powers of death. How good to be able to share this sense of victory with those we teach. And how good to realize that for us as well, the resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of life throughout eternity. TRUTH. Pilate demanded of Jesus, “ What is truth?” The passage shows how captive this Roman ruler was to pressures, how controlled by the demands of others. Without a sense of absolutes, and a certainty that there is right and wrong to guide our decisions, we would be just as wavering and tormented. Thank God there is truth — that we know reality as unveiled in the Word of God. We need to choose to live by that truth, rather than the uncertainties of expediency.

Commentary The time for words had now passed. Jesus had spoken much about grace and life and light. And also of the darkness that grips those who are of this world. Now, if anyone had questions, those questions were about to be answered decisively. How deeply is the world entrenched in darkness? How great is God’ s love for us, and His grace to us? How vital is the life that Jesus offers? How bright is the light by which we are invited to live? The answer to each of these questions is found in the events of the final night and day of Jesus’ life on earth . . . and in His resurrection.

A World Entrenched: John 18:1-19:22 Earlier we saw that the context of the last long segment of John’ s Gospel has a distinctive setting: night. The flickering light of a fire may have lit the Upper Room as Jesus sketched the vision of a new community for His followers. But outside, the forces of darkness were gathering. The hatred of Satan and the antagonism of the world swirled in a dark storm cloud, ready to extinguish the Light of the world. The context for all the events reported in the next chapters of John’ s Gospel is darkness. Even Mary’ s first encounter with the risen Lord takes place “ while it was still dark” (John 20:1). When Jesus appeared to the disciples who were gathered behind locked doors for fear of the Jews, it was evening (John 20:19). The mood does not change until John 21:4, when Jesus stood on the shore waiting for His disciples, “ early in the morning.” But as Jesus and His friends left the Upper Room for a time of prayer, we see how deep the darkness truly is. Betrayal (John 18:1-11). Judas, one of Christ’ s most intimate friends for the past three years, led temple guards and an antagonistic mob to drag Jesus to judgment. At first Peter tried to resist, striking out with a weapon. But Jesus would permit no resistance. Darkness must have its hour. Desertion (John 18:12-18, John 18:25-27). Peter’ s act of resistance was a rash yet brave act. But what else can we expect? Hadn’ t Peter promised to follow Jesus even to the death? Then Jesus was bound and dragged to the high priest (who had already, before the trial, condemned Jesus to death — see John 18:14). Peter followed the crowd, but in the darkness and among Jesus’ enemies, His courage faded. When he was accused by servants of being one of Jesus’ companions, Peter, shivering in the cold of the dark night, cursed angrily and denied his Lord. Peter had the courage for an impulsive act, but as the darkness deepened and pressed in around him, that courage drained away. Illegal trial (John 18:19-24). Called before an illegally convened court, Jesus was questioned behind closed doors, beaten, and then sent away to the Roman authorities, who alone had the power to condemn a person to death. The other Gospels described this scene in more detail than John did. He seemed to turn from the final revelation of the dark hearts of those religious leaders who were the keepers of the written Word, but now were struggling to suppress its light. Pilate’ s weakness (John 18:28-38; John 19:1-16). If the religious authority was perverted, what of the secular? Rome had no quarrel with Jesus, who at this time had never confronted or challenged its rule. This is the judgment of Pilate the Roman governor, who announced, “ I find no basis for a charge against Him.” Yet, pressured and threatened by the Jews he supposedly governed, Pilate ultimately gave in to expediency and permitted Jesus’ crucifixion. Historic research has suggested some of the possible pressure on Pilate. Tiberius, a sick and violent emperor, ruled Rome. But much of his power had been exercised by Suetonius, the commander of his Praetorian Guard. At last this man was overthrown and killed, and the ever-suspicious Tiberius had many of those who had relied on Suetonius’ influence executed. Some have thought that Pilate was aligned with Suetonius’ party, and thus was particularly vulnerable. If so, the threat of the Jews to denounce Pilate as “ no friend of Caesar” must have been particularly terrifying. Pilate had no commitment to truth. Though there was no basis in law for the execution of Jesus, Pilate did the expedient thing and chose to compromise his conscience. Jesus would die. How dark the world is with injustice and fear when there is no commitment to truth. The crowd’ s preference (John 18:39-40). It was the habit in those days to release a prisoner (often a political prisoner) at the Passover festival. Looking for a way to save Jesus, Pilate offered the Jews a choice. Which prisoner would they like released: Jesus, or Barabbas, an insurrectionist, murderer, and robber? The power of darkness was revealed in the swelling cry, “ No, not Him! Give us Barabbas!” The Crucifixion (John 19:17-22). And so the final stage had been set. The degree to which the darkness blinds man’ s eyes to grace and life and light is about to be revealed. Because of darkness, a false friend had betrayed the Lord. Because of darkness, a true follower had denied his Master. Because of darkness, men charged with communicating God’ s truth had turned with murder in their hearts, against the God they claimed to serve. Because of darkness, a man convinced of Jesus’ innocence permitted Him to be tormented and crucified. Because of darkness, the crowd that cheered Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem now demanded His death and begged the release of a murderer. In the last events of Jesus’ life the nature of sin and the extent to which it had perverted mankind was finally revealed. In the normal course of events, the depth of the moral darkness in which man lives is disguised with good works, kindness, generosity, caring. But under pressure, under the kind of pressure placed on every actor in Jerusalem that last tense day, the superficial is stripped away. The love that costs us nothing to give is shown to be flimsy cover for selfishness and fear. Only the love of God in Jesus, who remains committed to the ultimate sacrifice, burns steadily and bright. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT As group members arrive, have on the chalkboard: “ What kinds of things do most people prefer to do in the dark? Why?” Make a list of the group’ s suggestions. Then focus on items that have moral dimensions, and ask why these are associated with darkness. Point out that the context of these chapters in John is one of darkness (cf. John 13:30). Ask group members to select one person or group of persons (Judas, Peter, the high priest, Pilate, the crowd) to study. What do his or their actions tell us about the dark nature of sin, so powerfully exposed in the events associated with Jesus’ crucifixion? Then share discoveries, and as a summary statement read the last paragraph before this “ link-to-life” suggestion.

The Grace of God: John 19:23-42John’ s attention was now drawn to Christ Himself. Jesus had suffered the brutal beatings and the mocking that prepared prisoners for crucifixion. His hands and feet had been nailed to the wooden pole. Now Jesus hanged on it, between heaven and earth, His weight resting alternately on the torn flesh of His feet, then on His hands. Around Him indifferent soldiers gambled for His clothing while His enemies smirked in satisfaction at His agony. Even here, though, we see God’ s grace revealed, especially as we note incidents reported by the other Gospel writers. Even hanging on the cross, Jesus continued to think of others. He prayed for His murderers (Luke 23:34). He welcomed the repentant thief with the promise of paradise (Luke 23:43). And John tells of His gentle commending of His mother to the care of the “ beloved disciple” (John himself, the writer of this Gospel). Finally, His suffering complete, Jesus released His spirit and died. The body was taken down from the cross. A secret disciple, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus buried the body in a new tomb that had been hewn out of a wall of rock. It was again night. But the day was at hand.

The Life: John 20:1-31Jesus had often spoken about life and death, light and darkness, grace and Law. He had also claimed to be the ultimate revelation of God. In His last days, Jesus showed Himself the ultimate revealer of mankind as well. How darkness grips the human heart is evident in the way men responded to Jesus as the Crucifixion drew near. Yet even on the cross Jesus’ forgiving, caring concern gives ultimate proof of God’ s great love for humanity. Only divine love and divine grace can explain Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice Himself for those who hate Him. The cross proves grace. But how can life be proven? How can Jesus’ claim, “ I am the Resurrection and the Life,” be demonstrated? The answer, of course, is the Resurrection! Paul, looking back, saw that Jesus was “ declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). The first glimmerings of the ultimate revelation of Jesus as Life came before dawn. Mary slipped into the garden early. She saw that the stone sealing the tomb had been jolted out of its track. In tears she ran to Peter to report that the body of Jesus had been stolen. Peter and John came running to the tomb. John arrived first and, bending over, peered inside. There on a stone shelf were the linen wrappings. John fell back; he must have felt relief as well as disappointment. Jesus’ body had not been stolen. He was still there. But Peter stooped low and entered the tomb. He saw that though the burial wrappings were still there, the body was gone. It was impossible! But it had happened. John then entered, and realized that Jesus truly was gone. But, “ they still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9). Then the puzzle began to come together. Mary, who was now standing in the garden outside the tomb, met Jesus and realized who He was. That evening, 10 of the disciples were gathered in a room with locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish rulers. Suddenly Jesus was there, standing among them! Later, Thomas heard their report but refused to believe. “ Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hands into His side, I will not believe it,” Thomas said. Eight days later Jesus stood before Thomas and invited him to take that test. Convinced at the sight of his Master, Thomas cried out, “ My Lord and my God!” The ultimate power of life was demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus. Because Jesus is the Life now and forever, the power of death, and the fear of death, associated as they are with sin and darkness, lie shattered and broken at His feet. Because He lives, we too shall live. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Thomas’ resistance to faith is typical of the attitude held by many. Ask your group members to think back before their conversions and complete a statement like Thomas’ that reflects their thinking then: “ Unless _______, I will not believe.” Share the statements with each other. Then have each tell about his or her conversion. Did the “ unless” happen? Or, as with Thomas, did something else awaken faith? This should be a positive experience for any in your group who may not be Christians yet, who can be encouraged to express their “ unless” and then be able to hear the others’ conversion stories. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Archeologists have learned much about the kind of tombs that were used in Jesus’ time. The “ new tomb” Jesus’ body was placed in (John 19:41) was likely incomplete, with only the entry chamber and a room to its right finished. Many believe that the “ Garden Tomb” in Jerusalem was the actual burial place of Jesus. A major feature of New Testament tombs was the large stone disc, which rolled in a hewn track, to close the tomb. There was also a small opening which it covered, so small that John and Peter would have to “ bend over” (John 20:5) to see inside. You can help your boys and girls construct quite accurate paper models, or you can create a diorama to tell the story. After telling the resurrection story, let your boys and girls “ see” the empty diorama tomb, or play out the story with their paper model. Talk about how Jesus’ friends had been so sad when He died. How did they feel when they discovered Jesus is alive? You may want to make up a class song about the Resurrection using words the boys and girls chose to describe the disciples’ feelings in the lyrics. For instance, “ Happy, happy, happy, Jesus is alive,” can be one verse.

The Light: John 21:1-25Even with Jesus’ resurrection an established fact, the disciples were uncertain. What were they to do now? Confused, Peter and the others returned for a brief time to their old occupation of fishing, but with little success. It is here John portrays the return of day. In the dawn’ s light, Jesus directed His disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Suddenly the net filled with a shoal of fish, so many that the men were unable to haul them into their boat. When they returned to shore, the disciples found that Jesus had prepared fish and bread for their breakfast. After the meal, Jesus spoke directly to Peter. Peter had denied his Lord three times. Now Jesus asked Peter three times, “ Do you love Me?” Three times Peter said, “ Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” And three times Jesus charged Peter, “ Feed My sheep,” and, finally, “ Follow Me.” Peter, ever impetuous, now asked what assignment the Lord had for John. Rebuking Peter gently, Jesus let him know that Christ alone will direct His disciples, and that disciples answer only to their Lord. Think for a moment of what has been revealed in these few brief incidents. Jesus, the Light of the world, has again shown the disciples the path they are to walk, and that they are now to bring light into sin’ s dark realm. In His resurrection glory, Jesus does continue to serve. He met the occupational needs of His disciples, even when the catch of fish was not necessary for their mission. Jesus stooped to prepare food for them. Jesus restored Peter to fellowship. Jesus helped Peter sense the completeness of his restoration, by telling him that he would be trusted with Jesus’ own dearly loved sheep. Peter would now give his life to free, support, and care for other believers. Jesus also taught that each individual’ s goal is personal responsiveness to the Lord. Christ will direct each believer into the avenue of service for which he or she has been equipped. Finally, Jesus showed that in our concern for others we are not to judge them (John 21:22), but rather are to give each of our brothers and sisters the freedom, and encouragement to be responsive to Jesus as Lord. For Jesus says, “ Follow Me.” How gently Jesus’ words echo across the centuries. Jesus, the Light of the world, began a great revelation of God. And Jesus continues that unveiling of the grace, the life, and the light in you and me. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Boys and girls are able to make a heart response to Jesus as Saviour. We cannot “ program” this response. And we should not manipulate children into a “ profession of faith” that they do not understand. What can we do then? We can share the story of Jesus, His death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. And then we can give each child a chance to pray, thanking God for forgiveness, saying thank You for the gift of eternal life. Let each child, in his own way, express appreciation for and trust in the Saviour. A child’ s, “ I love You, Jesus,” may be far more an act of faith than raising a hand. So let’ s encourage the children we teach to thank Jesus, to express love to Jesus, and thus cooperate with God the Holy Spirit who is at work in the hearts of the boys and girls you and I tell the story of Jesus to. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT The story of Peter’ s denial and Jesus’ reinstatement is one of the most beautiful in the New Testament. Even after personal failures, God is able to use us in the service of others. The central issues in our relationship with Jesus remain do we love Him, and will we follow Him alone? (see John 21:19) The heart of serving Jesus is still caring for His sheep. And in it all we are to concentrate on our own commitment to Christ as Lord, not be distracted by worrying about others. Break into teams of three to five. Each team is to identify as many personal applications of this passage to our Christian lives as they can. Come together and work up a combined list of personal applications. Then, go around the circle. Ask each person to share which application is most important to him or to her, and share why.

Teaching Guide Prepare Read John 18-21. What difference does Jesus’ resurrection make in your life? You can take several tacks in teaching this extended passage. Which of the study approaches would best meet the needs of your group, and should be emphasized?

Explore

1. As your group members enter, ask them to jot down their answer to the question: “ What do people do in the dark that they don’ t want to do in the light?” List their answers.
2. Divide into teams to look at those associated with Jesus’ death whose actions show the dark side of human nature. Each team is to look at one of these persons: Judas, Peter, the high priest, Pilate, or the crowd. Each is to sum up its insights by defining how sin had its impact on its person(s). See “ link-to-life” above.

Expand

1. Focus on conversion experiences of your group members. This activity is particularly helpful if some in your group are not yet Christians. Give a minilecture covering the story of Thomas and his expressed doubt. Emphasize his insistence that “ I will not believe” unless certain conditions were met. Have your group members look back and complete “ unless” statements of their own, then share their conversion stories. See “ link-to-life” above.
2. Or divide your group into teams to seek applications of Jesus’ restoration of Peter (John 21:15-23) to the life of Christians today. See “ link-to-life” above.

Apply Go around the circle and ask each to share briefly: “ What is the major impression that the Gospel of John has made on you and your life?”