We have two chapters left in the Gospel of John, and then we’re moving onward and upward. I would like to hear from you about what you’d like to study next, so I’ve put a few options below based on what folks have said on Instagram and Facebook.

Now, back to John 20—the Resurrection chapter. I’m going to follow the same approach as last week where I took photos (with permission) of the Scripture and highlighted what stood out to me.

• According to verse 1, we see that it’s the first day of the week which would be Sunday morning. This is why believers tend to set aside this as the normal day of worship with others.

• I highlighted “So she ran” because you’ll see quite a bit of running in this chapter. Whether or not you’re a physical runner, this verse should beg the question of what direction your heart is running. Are you running toward the Lord or toward the world? Two opposite directions; you never get the option of standing still in life.

• Again, we see some running. Both Peter and “the other disciple” (who’s not named) were running together to reach the tomb. I pray that you have running partners in life—people who seek Jesus with you and you’re constantly spurring one another along. If you don’t, ask God to show you godly influences who can run this race with you.

• The linen cloths lying in the tomb were an indiciation that Jesus’ body wasn’t stolen. I left the photo of the tomb of Jesus above to help you visualize the newly hewn tomb that Joseph of Arimathea had provided to fulfill the scripture of Isaiah 53:9 which says, “they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death.”

• Jesus folded up His face cloth accordingly to verse 7. He does laundry, too. :-)

• Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene is a picture of how we come to Christ, too. At first, we may not recognize Christ as Lord, but as He continues to speak to us, we begin to know Him.

• May we each cry out, just as Mary did: RABBONI! (which means Teacher). Mary didn’t just say the words, she then clung to Him. Friends, that is the kind of heart God desires us to have with His Son. Are you desperately clinging to Him? Does your heart cry out, “Teach me!”? Do you seek Him still today? May you answer in a resounding, “YES!” to each of those questions. However, if your heart is faint and your spiritual fire is barely flickering—don’t lose heart. Confess to Him how you feel because He’s willing to meet you right where you are.

• It’s okay to not be okay—but it’s not okay to not talk to Jesus about it.

• One of the most encouraging things of these verses is the way in which Jesus treats Thomas. Of course, Thomas is more affectionately known as “Doubting Thomas” in sermons, but even in his disbelief and stubbornness, the Lord wants Thomas to believe. So, Jesus tells him to come near and see firsthand the wounds He suffered for mankind. What a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us. He will go to the extremes to get you to believe. He will not force you, but He will fight for you, beloved.

• Noticed the italicized text above verse 30: The Purpose of This Book. The Gospel of John was written for a single purpose and it is clearly stated in these final two verses of chapter 20. My hope is that your purpose is just as clear as John’s, and that you would live each day to bring others to Jesus so He can show His love. You are a chosen vessel and you hold a supernatural message. Don’t waste a moment—RUN!