Bible Study - Questions Jesus Asked - Seeing or Recognizing? - John 20 - March 31, 2012

Bible Study – Questions Jesus Asked – Seeing or Recognizing? – March 31, 2013

This is our final lesson in our series entitled, “Questions Jesus Asked.”

Our scripture is John 20:1-18.

JESUS was crucified on Friday. HE was declared dead. Let’s read John19:

Jesus’ Burial

38 After this (The crucifixion of JESUS), Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

I have always been intrigued by the 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes plus aromatic spices Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus used to begin the burial process. Many years ago, I had questioned whether or not JESUS was really dead. But after reading about the 75 pounds of stuff being used to prepare HIS body and HIM being wrapped in linen cloths, I concluded if HE wasn’t already dead, HE was after they got through with HIM.  

Since it was the Jewish Preparation Day they placed JESUS’ body in the nearby tomb. The Jews were concerned that JESUS’ disciples would steal HIS body and they asked Pilot to secure the tomb. Pilot had the tomb sealed and a guard posted.

It is interesting that it was “Preparation Day.” The Jews were preparing for Passover. The details of the Passover supper had to be completed by Friday afternoon. But the main detail was that the paschal lamb had to be slain. The priests slaughtered thousands of animals and the blood of the animals was poured at the foot of the altar. Then the lambs were roasted whole in preparation for the Passover meal. That day, the precious blood of JESUS was shed and poured out onto the foot of the cross for the sins of all who will place their faith in HIM as their Savior. But the ground at the cross is level. CHRIST accepts all who will accept HIM by faith. The miracle of rebirth is available to all regardless of the most heinous sin you can think of. No person can sink so low that GOD’S arm cannot reach him/her and pull him/her from the depths of sin. HIS shed blood cleanses all who accept HIM of all sin and they are pure and righteous before GOD. The resurrection is the proof that HE paid the price for sin by conquering death. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  

Let’s read John 20:1-4:

The Empty Tomb

1 Ona Mt 28:5-8; Mk 16:5-8; Lk 24:3-8 the first day of the weekb Lk 24:1; Ac 20:7; 1Co 16:2 •Mary Magdalenec Mk 15:40 came to the tombd Jn 5:28 early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stonee Mt 27:60,66; Mk 15:46 had been removedf Lit She saw the stone removed from the tomb.
2 So she ran to Simon Peterg Lk 6:14; Jn 21:7; Ac 10:32 and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,h Jn 5:28 and we don’t know where they have put Him!”
3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.
4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

CHRIST was buried on Friday and was resurrected on Sunday. The ladies wanted to complete the burial process that began on Friday afternoon. Mark 16:1 records this event - 1 When the Sabbath was over, •Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise.

The Sabbath was over at 6 PM on Saturday, so they had time to go purchase the spices they needed to complete the burial process. The Apostle John focused on Mary Magdalene and her encounter with the risen JESUS. The ladies had been concerned who would roll the large stone from the tomb so they could enter where JESUS had been laid. No doubt she was delighted when she saw that the stone had been rolled away. She apparently looked inside the tomb because when she ran to tell the disciples, she told them that JESUS was missing. 

For the skeptics consider these facts:

-         Women were not held in high regard in JESUS day. Yet, GOD allowed women to discover the empty tomb.

-         When Mary told the disciples that JESUS was missing they were shocked and ran to see for themselves.

-         Peter and John were racing but John beat Peter to the tomb.

Let’s read John 20:5-10:

5 Stooping down, he saw the linen clothsi Lk 24:12; Jn 19:40; 20:5-7 lying there, yet he did not go in.
6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.
7 The wrappingj Lk 19:20; Jn 11:44; Ac 19:12 that had been on His head was not lying with the linen clothsk Jn 20:5 but was folded up in a separate place by itself.
8 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed.
9 For they still did not understand the Scripturel Mt 26:54 that He must risem Lk 18:33; Ac 2:24 from the dead.n Mk 9:9-10; 12:25; Lk 16:31; 24:46; Ac 10:41; 13:34; 17:3,31
10 Then the disciples went home again.

Since John outran Peter, John stooped down and looked into the tomb. HE saw the linen cloths lying in the tomb. This gives us a clue that grave robbers had not taken HIM because the linen cloths were orderly. If JESUS had been taken, the robbers would not have taken the time to fold the linens.

The Apostle John saw the empty tomb and believed. John’s head knowledge had been converted to heart knowledge. What JESUS had been telling them came together for John.

Christianity is a journey. The key is not to stop seeking and searching for truth. Explore deep questions with CHRIST as you seek to build an intimate loving relationship with HIM. JESUS asked questions and HE loves for HIS children to ask questions. I have found that some answers come quickly but others may take time. Often I had to grow and mature in order to understand and comprehend the answer.

According to the Apostle John they still did not understand the Scripture that JESUS must raise from the dead. These were HIS disciples. John was being honest about what they did not know. What might have gone through their minds? Did they think that GOD had taken JESUS to heaven? After all HE was missing. Had someone stolen HIS body? They did not have a clue, so they went home.

The disciples are pondering this event. In the meantime, another event was taking place.

Let’s read John 20:11-18:

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord

11 Buto Mk 16:9-11 Mary stood outside facing the tomb,p Jn 5:28 crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.
12 She saw two angelsq Gn 16:7; Mt 13:49; Ac 5:19; Rv 14:6 in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ bodyr Lk 12:4; Jn 2:21 had been lying.
13 They said to her, “•Woman, why are you crying?”“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,”s Lk 10:1; 1Co 8:6 she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.”
14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.t Jn 21:4
15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said, “Mary.”Turning around, she said to Him in •Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”u Rabbouni is also used in Mk 10:51—which means “Teacher.”v Mk 4:38; Eph 4:11
17 “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascendedw Lk 24:51; Jn 3:13; 6:62; Ac 1:9-11; 2:33-34; Rm 10:6; Eph 1:20-21; 4:8; 1Pt 3:22 to the Father.x Mt 5:16; 11:27; Jn 8:42 But go to My brothersy Ac 9:30 and tell them that I am ascending to My Fatherz Jn 14:12 and your Father—to My Goda Mt 27:46 and your God.”
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”b Mk 16:10 And she told them whatc Lit these things He had said to her.

The disciples went home but Mary returned to the empty tomb. She was trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. When we seek, GOD helps us to find HIM. When Mary stooped down, she saw two (2) angels. They spoke to her and asked her “Why was she crying?” Were the angels probing to determine whether her tears were tears of joy or sorrow? They found out quickly that she was not seeking the risen JESUS but trying to locate a dead JESUS.

I think this next scripture is so spectacular. Mary’s heart was broken and desperately desired to know where JESUS’ body had been placed. When she turned around she saw a figure. It was a man. HE asked her “Why are you crying?” Who are you looking for?” She thought the man was the gardener and asked HIM where HE had placed JESUS’ body.

When we seek JESUS, we need to acknowledge that HE is the One we seek. Do we seek truth or some ideology? Do we seek the empty tomb or a dead CHRIST? If CHRIST was still dead we have no more reason to accept HIM as our Savior that anyone or thing. But Christians serve a risen Savior and because HE lives, so will all who accept HIM by faith.

Mary wanted to know where HE had placed JESUS’ body. When JESUS spoke her name, she turned suddenly. She turned as if astonished and could not believe her ears. JESUS tells us in other scripture that HIS sheep know HIS voice. When JESUS spoke her name her Spiritual eyes were opened and she knew that it was JESUS by the sound of HIS voice. When JESUS calls our name our Spiritual eyes are opened and we see truth.  

We can only imagine the excitement that surged through Mary when she knew that her JESUS was alive and standing there next to her. She excitedly calls JESUS “Rabbouni!”u Rabbouni is also used in Mk 10:51—which means “Teacher”, “my beloved rabbi” or “my dear rabbi.”

 JESUS then admonished her not to “cling” to HIM. Some scripture reads, “Do not touch ME.” But we see in Matthew 28:9-10:

9 Just thenh Other mss add as they were on their way to tell the news to His disciples Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They (The Women) came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him.i Mk 16:9; Jn 20:14
10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”j

The Apostle Matthew reported that the women touched JESUS at HIS feet. In John’s scripture, he used the word “cling.”

I believe she was so excited that she grabbed HIM with a grip that sent the message that, “I thought YOU were gone forever but now that I have YOU and I will never let YOU go.” JESUS was telling her, “Mary, I know you love ME dearly but I must still be about MY Father’s business and so do you.” HE still had to ascend back into heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of the Father so the Father could send the Holy Spirit back to indwell all Christians. JESUS commissioned her to go and tell HIS disciples the news of HIS resurrection to HIS disciples. Commissioning a woman to bear witness to such a monumental event was contrary to the culture of that day, because women were not considered valid witnesses in court. JESUS commissioned Mary to go and to be the first to bear witness to HIS resurrection. JESUS elevated the role of Godly woman to new heights.

Notice in verse 17 that JESUS told Mary that HE would ascend to "MY Father and your Father - to MY GOD and to your GOD." Faith in CHRIST puts Christians on the same level as CHRIST. CHRIST is our brother because CHRIST was conceived by the Holy Spirit, just as all true believers in CHRIST are conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites with the spirit of all who have faith in HIM and the result is Spiritual conception, which is called rebirth. Christians are born into the family of GOD, never to be unborn. Christians are the children of GOD for eternity. Now that is Good News!!!

Mary is about as excited as a human can be. She went to the disciples and told them what had happened. Later, JESUS appeared to HIS disciples. Thomas was missing but later JESUS appeared to Thomas as well and asked him to touch HIM.

Let’s read John 20:24-29. This is John’s record of the Apostle Thomas encountering JESUS after HIS resurrection. Notice in verse 29 what JESUS had to say about those who have not seen with their physical eyes.

Thomas Sees and Believes

24 But one of the Twelve, Thomasm Mk 3:18; Jn 11:16 (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails,n Ps 22:16 and put my hand into His side,o Jn 20:20 I will never believe!”p Dt 9:23; Mk 16:11; Lk 22:67; Jn 4:48; 6:64; Ac 13:41
26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!”
27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.”q Nm 12:7
28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed.r Or have you believed? (as a question) Those who believe without seeings 2Co 5:7; 1Pt 1:8 are blessed.”

Remember our Glorified bodies will be like JESUS’ resurrected body. How would you like to appear in a room without having to open the door?

JESUS said to the Apostle Thomas that he believed because he had seen HIM physically. JESUS said those who believe without seeing are blessed. Do you want to be blessed? Believe that JESUS is the only Son of GOD and faith in HIM results in salvation. My ticket to heaven is based upon JESUS and what HE did for me. But the Good News is that HE gave HIS life for all who will accept HIM by faith.

As we celebrate Easter, we celebrate a living Savior and because HE lives, so will all who accept HIM by faith. CHRIST died just for you. If you had been the only person in all eternity to accept HIM as your Savior, HE would have died for you. That is as personal as it gets. HE loves you and gave HIS life that you might have eternal life which begins at the instant you ask CHRIST into your heart. JESUS put it well when HE said in John 10:10 - 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Do you want the abundant life? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. There is no better time than EASTER!

HAPPY EASTER!!! Celebrate our risen Savior!!! Because HE lives so will all who accept HIM by faith!!! Blessings!!!