Jesus Comforts (Download)

In John chapter 20 of the Bible, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus' tomb and finds it empty. Distraught, she runs to tell Peter and another disciple, who race to the tomb. The other disciple arrives first and sees the burial cloths inside but does not enter. When Peter arrives, he goes into the tomb and sees the linen wrappings lying there, along with the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head, neatly folded separately. The other disciple enters the tomb and believes. The disciples then return to their homes. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene stays outside the tomb, weeping. She sees two angels inside the tomb who ask her why she is crying. Turning around, she sees Jesus but doesn't recognize him. Jesus asks her why she is weeping and whom she is seeking. When Jesus calls her by name, Mary realizes it is him and exclaims, "Rabboni!" which means "Teacher." Jesus instructs her not to cling to him as he has not yet ascended to the Father. Mary goes and tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord. Later that evening, the disciples are gathered in a locked room, fearing the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them and says, "Peace be with you." He shows them his hands and side, and the disciples rejoice at seeing the risen Lord. Jesus breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit, empowering them to forgive sins. However, Thomas, who was not present, expresses doubt and says he needs to see Jesus' wounds to believe. Eight days later, Jesus appears again, this time with Thomas present. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds, and Thomas believes, declaring Jesus as his Lord and God. Jesus concludes by saying, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." The purpose of John's Gospel is written so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that through believing, they may have life in his name.