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John 20:19-21:25

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Review (John 1-20)

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1. Setting the stage - Jesus & His disciples

2. Turning water into wine

3. Nicodemus comes to Jesus

4. Samaritan woman at the well

5. Healing of lame man at pool

6. Feeding of 5000+

7. Feast of Tabernacles

8. Woman caught in adultery

9. Healing of blind man

10. The Good Shepherd

11. Resurrection of Lazarus

12. Triumphal entry into Jerusalem

13. Washing the disciples’ feet

14. Comfort with Jesus leaving

15. Abiding in Jesus

16. Spirit, Departure, Asking

17. High Priestly Prayer

18. Arrest/Trial of Jesus before the Jews

19. Jesus before Pilate & Crucifixion

20. Resurrection of Jesus

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Reading

John 20:19-23

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Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances

Meets two people on walk to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-35)
Appears to disciples in more private rooms

Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-29

Appearance at Sea of Galilee (John 21)
Appearance to Others

and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. - 1 Corinthians 15:4-7 (ESV)

Great Commission on mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20)
Ascension of Jesus (40 days after resurrection)

Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:2-11

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After Jesus’ initial appearances around His tomb, He has several post-resurrection (pre-ascension) appearances recorded in the gospels, and then we have hints of some other appearances outside of just the 4 gospels.

I’ve loosely tried to order the accounts on the slide in chronological order, though there is some uncertainty, and there may be overlap in some of the events (though that is uncertain too).

One common theme you’ll see is going to Galilee, though there are scenes that take place in Jerusalem.

Another key point here is that while Jesus revealed Himself to a decent number of people, He did not reveal Himself to everyone, and doesn’t seem to have exclusively spent time with just what might be known as His inner circle of disciples. His disciples were to be the ones to be sent out as His witnesses to carry His message further (John 20:21, Acts 1:8).

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Questions (John 20:19-23)

…the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them… - John 20:19 (ESV)

Why do you think Jesus appears this way to the disciples?

What things does Jesus offer here?

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Contextually, I think Jesus appears to His disciples to give some peace over their fear. Thinking a bit bigger picture, I think Jesus is demonstrating His authority by being able to go essentially anywhere according to His Father’s will, regardless of who/what could theoretically keep Him out. The door might be locked to help protect the disciples from the Jews (and could have at least some success there, even if imperfect), but Jesus doesn’t even need to break down the doors to get to where the disciples are. He has greater power and authority than both the Jews and all creation. Neither physical nor spiritual barriers can ultimately stop Jesus from going where He and His Father want Him to go.

What does Jesus seem to be offering here?

John 20:19 - Peace (likely a common greeting, but beyond contextually in just this kind of appearance, peace has been something important Jesus has spoken of previously in John)
John 20:20 - A purpose - Being sent by Jesus as the Father had sent Him.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, - John 1:12 (ESV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - John 3:17 (ESV)
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. - John 3:34 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. - John 4:34 (ESV)
But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. - John 5:36 (ESV)
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” - John 6:38-40 (ESV)
As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. - John 6:57 (ESV)
The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. - John 7:18 (ESV)
And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” - John 8:29 (ESV)
I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” - John 11:42 (ESV)
For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”- John 12:49-50 (ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” - John 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. - John 14:24 (ESV)
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. - John 15:20 (ESV)
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. - John 17:3-4 (ESV)
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. - John 17:15-19 (ESV)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. - John 17:20-23 (ESV)
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” - John 18:37 (ESV)

John 20:22 - The Holy Spirit - From Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8, this is the “power” to carry out their purpose/mission.

There is some debate about the “timing” of the giving of the Holy Spirit here. In general, John 20:22 most likely seems to be more symbolic of what was to come, with the actually bestowing of the Holy Spirit coming early in Acts. See https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1h0sUuFbLp5eYWtSI1pkrtW8CvxWC2hIN0ywxupyHEFE/edit#slide=id.g11502676d71_0_8

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Question (John 20:23)

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” - John 20:23 (ESV)

What does this mean?

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This may be one of the trickier verses in this section at first glance.

I think it is best understood contextually given the mission that Jesus is sending them on, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As the disciples go out, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, they are effectively acting as Jesus’ representatives, speaking His words, and proclaiming the forgiveness that Jesus offers through the gospel. If one believes on Jesus and receives forgiveness in His name, the authority of Jesus stands behind that forgiveness; if one doesn’t believe and doesn’t receive forgiveness, then they’re still lacking Jesus’ forgiveness.

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/20-23.htm

See https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?qs_version=ESV&quicksearch=forgive&begin=47&end=73&resultspp=250 for other verses on forgiveness.

and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. - Luke 24:47 (ESV)
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:38 (ESV)
To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” - Acts 10:43 (ESV)
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. - Acts 13:38-39 (ESV)
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and - Acts 26:18 (ESV)

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Reading

John 20:24-31

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Thomas

So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” - John 11:16 (ESV)

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” - John 14:5 (ESV)

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Believing

…But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later…Jesus…said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:25-31 (ESV)

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Reading

John 21:1-14

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Off to Galilee

Sea of Galilee == Sea of Tiberias

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” - Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28 (ESV)
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” - Matthew 28:7 (ESV)
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” - Matthew 28:10 (ESV)
But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” - Mark 16:10 (ESV)

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Original Calling of Disciples

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

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And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:4-11 (ESV)

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Question (John 21:1-14)

Why did they catch so many fish?

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Reading

John 21:15-25

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Prediction of Peter’s Denial

Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. - Matthew 26:31-35 (ESV)

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Question (John 21:15-17)

What is Jesus aiming to do via this exchange with Peter?

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https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/21-15.htm

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/21-16.htm

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/21-17.htm

A few wording notes here:

There seems to be some alternation between different Greek words for “love” here - “agape” or “philo”. Some see some meaning in these differences, although generally speaking, the words are synonymous enough to likely not have that many meaningful distinctions in this passage. And if Jesus/Peter were not originally speaking Greek (and instead something like Aramaic), that could further reinforce John potentially using poetic translation license here. The repetition of the question is more likely what causes Peter’s grief (John 21:17) than specific word choices.
Similar word alternation occurs in Jesus’ responses to Peter (tend, shepherd, feed of lambs/sheep). While there may be importance in what Jesus is calling Peter to here, the specific change in wording doesn’t seem to be significant enough to read too much into wording changes themselves - they’re more likely just different ways to get at the same larger point.

There are a few things I think Jesus is aiming to do via this exchange:

Let Peter know that Jesus is still accepting and calling him to participate in His mission. Peter had previously emphatically denied Jesus 3 times. There’s likely some uncertainty in Peter’s mind about what all of this means. So Jesus needs to reassure Peter that he isn’t cast out.
At the same time, Jesus doesn’t back down from addressing/confronting the underlying issues here. Peter needs to recognize that love for Jesus is necessary for Peter to fulfill his calling. Jesus may know, but Peter also needs to know.
The repetition of the question 3 times is likely for emphasis. To start, Peter’s 3-time denial means that Jesus asking the same kind of question 3 times (and 3 corresponding callings) could more significantly communicate the complete forgiveness and restoration from what Peter had done. But it also can help emphasize the importance of understanding what Peter is being called to - especially if he is going to be called to suffer and die for Jesus (as the next few verses indicate).
Jesus is also using this opportunity to give Peter more specific direction to his upcoming mission - caring for Jesus’ sheep. Note that the description isn’t in terms of “titles” for Peter but in terms of his service to Jesus.
Finally, it seems like this scene wasn’t completely private between Jesus and Peter - at least some other disciples were around (John 21:20). This restoration and firm calling of Peter was likely important in the view of the other disciples as well. Otherwise, disunity could breed, leading to ineffective carrying out of the mission.

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Deaths of the Apostles

Martyrs (probably before 80 AD)

James (son of Zebedee) - Acts 12
Philip
Matthew
James (son of Alphaeus)
Peter
Paul
Andrew
Bartholomew
Thomas
Thaddeus
Barnabas
Simon (the Zealot)
Matthias

Natural Death

John - About 100 AD

Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” - John 21:22-23 (ESV)

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This slide lists some information about the deaths of the “original” apostles (12 apostles minus Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus + Matthias + Paul). The dates are a bit sketchy/unknown, so I haven’t really included specifics, but to the best of our knowledge, all of these seemed to have been martyred (killed) before about 80 AD. In addition to these apostles, the James and Jude - other eyewitnesses, potentially half-brothers of Jesus, and authors of two New Testament books, could also probably fall into this category.

What’s important to note is that with the exception of the Apostle John, all of these people are generally believed to have been martyred. That means after a certain period of time, John was likely one of the oldest eyewitnesses to Christ’s time on earth - and almost certainly one of the oldest with a high level of authority in the church). Beyond “tradition” from some later church writings, this is also somewhat supported by the end of the book of John. Peter is “traditionally” recorded as having been crucified upside down - the exact evidence isn’t that strong, but it is somewhat the best we have.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles#Deaths

https://www.gotquestions.org/apostles-die.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxe%27s_Book_of_Martyrs

https://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/home.html

https://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox101.htm

https://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox102.htm

https://overviewbible.com/how-did-the-apostles-die/

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Freaks-Martyrs-Stories-Ultimate/dp/0764212028/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_brother_of_Jesus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter#Death_and_burial

https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/1120/was-the-apostle-peter-martyred-in-rome

https://www.baslibrary.org/bible-review/20/1/5

https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/60553/what-are-the-sources-concerning-the-deaths-of-peter-and-paul

https://www.exclassics.com/foxe/foxe5.htm

https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/53873/did-jesus-predict-that-peter-would-die-by-crucifixion-in-john-2119

“In 21:20–23 the discussion of Peter’s martyrdom opens the subject of the beloved disciple’s death. The nature of Jesus’ comment (v. 22) and the editorial notes of the writer (v. 23) indicate that within the community of believers was a belief that John was going to survive until the second coming of Christ. But he did not. Here is evidence of the dismay that must have gripped the church during the eventual death of the apostles. Jesus’ words are repeated: disciples should continue to follow and not be distracted by speculations about Christ’s future will. For John’s church the message is clear: John’s survival may not have been Christ’s will at all.” - Burge, G. M. (1995). John. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 879). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

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Questions (John 21:15-23)

What is involved in following Jesus?

What is important about the exchange in John 21:21-23?

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Let’s explore what is involved in following Jesus. From just this passage:

Love
Tending/feeding/shepherding Jesus’ sheep

Feed - https://biblehub.com/greek/1006.htm
Shepherd - https://biblehub.com/greek/4165.htm

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. - Acts 20:28 (NASB)
shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)

Potentially death…or potentially remaining until Jesus’ return

This exchange has several important components. Fundamentally, it comes down to being willing to follow Jesus regardless of what He asks - death, etc. And that following is specific to each of us - God has a diverse body of Christ, each with different functions. It’s important to follow in what Jesus is calling us individually to, without being distracted by what Jesus is calling others to. We have our obedience, and others have their obedience.

It’s also important to pay attention to exactly what Jesus said here, which is something John takes explicit time to clarify. As mentioned on the previous slide, John appears to have been the last of the original apostles, writing his gospel near the end of his life. However, John died prior to Jesus’ return. With John’s death, a belief that John would not die prior to Jesus’ return could have sown doubt throughout the Christian community that Christ would actually return. So this is also an example of paying close attention to Jesus’ words and not going trying to make Him say things beyond what He actually said.

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Question

What things written in John stood out to you?

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

- John 20:30-31 (ESV)

This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

- John 21:24-25 (ESV)

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