John 20:20 – “After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse takes place right after Jesus miraculously appears to His disciples in a locked room on the evening of His resurrection. His first words to them were, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19), reassuring them in their fear. But knowing they might still struggle to believe He was truly alive, Jesus took a step further—He showed them His hands and His side.

These wounds were proof of His crucifixion. They confirmed that the same Jesus who had been nailed to the cross and pierced by a Roman spear was now standing in front of them, fully alive. He wasn’t a ghost or a vision—He was physically risen from the dead.

At that moment, the disciples moved from fear to joy. Seeing Jesus with their own eyes changed everything. The grief and despair they had felt since His crucifixion were suddenly replaced with celebration. They now knew beyond a doubt that their Lord had conquered death.

Historical Context

The disciples had spent the past three days in shock and mourning. Their Teacher, whom they believed was the Messiah, had been brutally executed. They had heard reports from Mary Magdalene and other women that Jesus was alive, but most of them hadn’t seen Him yet (Luke 24:9-11).

Fear had gripped them. They were afraid the Jewish leaders might come after them next, so they had locked themselves in a room. But now, in the very place where they had hidden in fear, Jesus appeared.

Showing His wounds wasn’t just to prove His identity—it was also deeply significant in a Jewish context. In the Old Testament, sacrificial animals had to be unblemished before they were offered. Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, had been wounded for our sins (Isaiah 53:5), and His scars were now a testimony of His completed work.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some important truths about Jesus and the Christian faith:

1. Jesus’ resurrection was physical, not just spiritual. He had a real, glorified body that still bore the marks of the cross. This confirms the bodily resurrection, a central belief of Christianity.
2. The scars of Jesus matter. Instead of erasing the marks of His suffering, Jesus kept them as proof of His sacrifice. This shows that His death and resurrection were real and that our salvation was costly.
3. Jesus meets us in our doubts. The disciples struggled to believe, yet Jesus didn’t rebuke them—He provided evidence. Later, He would do the same for Thomas (John 20:27).
4. Joy comes from knowing the risen Jesus. The disciples went from being afraid to being overjoyed in an instant. True joy is found in seeing Jesus for who He really is.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of moments where people move from doubt to belief, from sadness to joy. This verse follows that same pattern:

• “After he said this” – This refers back to Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you.” His peace comes first, then He provides physical proof of His resurrection.
• “He showed them his hands and side” – Jesus took the initiative to prove He was real. This also foreshadows how He would later invite Thomas to touch His wounds.
• “The disciples were overjoyed” – Their transformation from fear to joy was immediate. The resurrection was not just a theory to them—it was now a personal experience.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:39-40 – Jesus tells the disciples, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
• Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
• Zechariah 12:10 – A prophecy that one day people will look on the one they have pierced and mourn.
• John 20:27-28 – Jesus later tells Thomas to touch His wounds as proof.
• 1 Peter 1:8-9 – Peter speaks of the joy that comes from believing in the risen Christ, even without seeing Him physically.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus is alive and that His resurrection brings real joy. Just as He met the disciples in their doubt and fear, He meets us in our struggles today.

• We don’t serve a distant God. Jesus came near to His disciples, and He comes near to us. He is alive and active in our lives.
• Faith is not blind. Jesus gave His disciples evidence of His resurrection. Though we don’t see Him physically, the testimonies of those who did are recorded in Scripture to strengthen our faith.
• Joy is found in Jesus. The disciples’ sorrow turned to joy when they saw the Lord. The same is true for us today—our greatest joy is in knowing Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in a powerful way. Jesus didn’t appear in glory and power to rulers and kings—He appeared personally to His grieving, fearful disciples. Instead of condemning them for their doubts, He reassured them.

God doesn’t expect us to have perfect faith. He meets us where we are, just as Jesus did here. His love is patient, personal, and full of grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the center of this moment:

1. He is the resurrected Savior. His scars are proof that He died for our sins and rose again.
2. He is the source of peace and joy. His presence transformed the disciples’ fear into joy, just as He does for us today.
3. He is compassionate toward those who struggle. Instead of rebuking the disciples, He gave them the proof they needed.
4. He is victorious over death. His wounds remained, but the cross did not defeat Him. Instead, it became the greatest symbol of victory.

Some related passages that reinforce these truths:

• Colossians 2:15 – Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and triumphed over them through the cross.
• Revelation 1:18 – Jesus says, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”
• Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and now He is seated at the right hand of God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus kept His scars instead of having a completely healed body?
2. How does this verse help us understand the reality of Jesus’ resurrection?
3. What fears or doubts are you facing right now? How can Jesus’ presence bring you peace?
4. Have you experienced the kind of joy that the disciples felt when they saw Jesus? If not, what might be holding you back?
5. How can this verse encourage you to share your faith with others?

Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event—it is the turning point of history, and it changes everything for those who believe. His scars remind us of what He did for us, and His presence fills us with peace and joy. Just as the disciples were overjoyed to see Him, we, too, can find true joy in knowing that our Savior is alive!