Jesus' Hands (John 20:19-29): Summary and Questions for Reflection/Discussion

John’s Gospel narrates three post-Easter appearances of Jesus. These are not said to be his only appearances (see John 21:25, which tells us that “even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” about all of Jesus’ actions), but they give us a sense of the new life that began for Jesus’ followers after he was raised from the dead. The first two of these three appearances are told in John 20:19-29.

Jesus appeared to most of his closest followers on Easter evening. One of the Twelve (who were, of course, now only eleven because of Judas’ departure), Thomas, was absent for some reason. A week later, Jesus appeared again to the same disciples, but this time Thomas was present. Thomas had heard the others’ testimony in the intervening days, but he did not believe it. When Jesus showed himself to Thomas, he showed him his hands and his side, which bore the marks of his crucifixion. Jesus called Thomas to give up his disbelief and begin to believe. Thomas, seeing the wounds but apparently declining Jesus’ invitation to touch them, spoke out with the clearest declaration of Jesus’ exalted identity in all of the Gospels: “My Lord and my God!” This confession, from the mouth of a previous doubter, is the climax of John’s Gospel.

Exploring the Passage:

1.      Why do you think we are told about the locked doors of the room where Jesus first appeared to the disciples (verse 19)? What does this indicate about Jesus’ body?

2.      What does Jesus do after announcing his greeting of peace (verse 20)? What does this indicate about Jesus’ body?

3.      In verse 21, Jesus says that he is sending the disciples “as” the Father has sent him. Read John 3:17 and consider what this little phrase, “as the Father has sent me,” might mean about our commissioning by Jesus.

4.      What do you think the Holy Spirit has to do with the statement about forgiving sins in verse 23?

5.      What do you think was wrong with Thomas’ response to the other disciples’ news in verse 25?

6.      What can you learn about Jesus from his invitation to Thomas in verse 27?

7.      What does Jesus mean when he speaks of “those who have not seen and yet have believed”? Who is he speaking about and why do you think he pronounces them “blessed”?

Jesus’ hands show us several things:

1.      Jesus does not reject or dismiss the person with doubts or questions. Jesus is apparently not opposed to showing evidence to strengthen a person’s confidence. Nevertheless, he also calls questioners to take another step: “stop doubting and believe.”

Have you ever felt afraid to express your questions?

When do we need to hear Jesus’ exhortation to “stop doubting and believe”?

2.      There is continuity between the things done in “this life” and the life of the resurrection. Jesus’ resurrected body still shows the signs of the work of his pre-resurrection life. Scripture suggests that the same is true of us: what we do in this life matters. At the end of his great chapter on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul says, “Therefore...stand firm… Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

How do you understand the phrase “the work of the Lord”? In what ways do you find it encouraging that the things that you do today can last into God’s future?

3.      The risen Lord is the same Jesus who died for us. He never forgets that he gave his life for us. He never forgets his love for us.

How can it change your approach to Jesus in prayer to remember that you are always approaching him as someone who willingly laid down his life for you? How does it affect your requests for daily needs or help with problems, or for forgiveness of sin?