“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”– John 20:9 (KJV)
“For they still didn’t understand the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.”– John 20:9 (NLT)
“They didn’t yet understand the Scripture that said he had to rise from the dead.”– John 20:9 (MSG)
What Does John 20:9 Mean?
This verse reminds us of the moment when the disciples came to terms with the reality of the resurrection. Imagine Mary Magdalene and the other disciples as they arrived at the empty tomb. They had witnessed the horror of the crucifixion, and now the tomb was empty. Instead of believing in the promise of resurrection, they were confused and frightened. This shows us that understanding can take time. It takes faith to move beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God’s plan. Jesus had repeatedly told them he would rise again, yet the truth was still beyond their grasp at this moment.
What we see here is how human emotions can overshadow faith. Fear and sorrow often cloud our understanding. Like Mary and the others, we may find ourselves in situations where it seems impossible to comprehend God’s promises. However, this does not mean those promises are any less true. We can take great comfort in the fact that God is patient with us during our times of doubt. He understands our struggles and generously offers us the grace to grow in faith.
John 20:9 Explanation and Commentary
To truly grasp the significance of John 20:9, we can explore the larger narrative of Christ’s resurrection. The disciples experienced shock and disbelief after Jesus was crucified. Although he had shared with them about the resurrection, they could not understand how it would unfold. Sometimes, we, too, struggle to see God’s purpose in our trials and tribulations. Jesus is the light of the world and, even in the darkest of times, His promises shine brightly.
This verse not only conveys their disbelief but also highlights the nature of prophecy. The Scriptures were not just words written long ago. They held the keys to understanding the coming of Christ and his divine purpose. Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed glimpses of His plan for salvation—a plan that included the resurrection of His Son. For example, Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant, and Psalm 16:10 speaks of God not abandoning His Holy One to decay. The disciples’ lack of understanding illustrates that even those who walked with Jesus struggled to see the bigger picture.
This verse can encourage us when we feel lost or confused in our faith. Like the disciples, we may forget the promises God has made. We can have hope knowing that understanding can come through prayer, reading the Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. He is always ready to help us see beyond our immediate struggles. And importantly, our faith should challenge us to look for the light in our darkness, believing that God is always working for our good.
Context of John 20:9
To fully appreciate the depth of John 20:9, we must understand its context within the Gospel of John. This passage takes place right after the resurrection of Jesus. The chapter opens with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb early on the first day of the week. Confused and distressed, she runs to tell Peter and John. In this moment, they are grappling with their sorrow over losing Jesus. The overwhelming nature of betrayal, loss, and grief has clouded their understanding of what Jesus had taught them.
Their returning to the tomb reveals how we often seek God’s presence in moments of despair. Mary wants to connect with Jesus, reflecting our own desire to reach out to Him in difficult times. When Peter and John arrive, they also find the tomb empty, yet they do not immediately understand what it means. Their reaction serves as a reminder that even the most devoted followers of Christ can struggle to see the truth.
This event’s significance grows richer when we see how it reveals God’s plan of redemption for humanity. The resurrection represents hope, triumph over death, and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus had to rise from the dead to fulfill God’s promises and to complete the work of salvation. We must recognize how critical it is to trust God’s plan for our own lives, especially when circumstances seem challenging—just as the disciples did in this critical moment for their faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:9
When we analyze the key components of John 20:9, we uncover valuable insights. The text highlights that the disciples “knew not the scripture” regarding Jesus’s resurrection. This speaks volumes about their journey of faith. Scripture is full of promises and prophecies that inform believers about God’s nature and character. The disciples had lived much of their lives with Jesus yet still faced doubt when confronted with difficulties.
This verse pushes us to examine our own knowledge of scripture. Are we familiar with God’s promises? Do we trust and believe them during tough times? It’s essential to engage with the Word, as it provides the foundation for our faith. In Hebrews 4:12, we see that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. This emphasizes the need to internalize God’s Word to equip ourselves with truth and encouragement.
Disbelief is another important theme here. The disciples, despite their proximity to Jesus, found it hard to reconcile their experiences with His teachings. This serves as a powerful reminder that even our faith may falter at times. It’s okay to admit that we don’t always have it figured out. We can acknowledge our discomfort but remember that Jesus is patiently waiting for us to come back to Him in belief and faith. Even in those moments of confusion, we can lean on God’s promises and allow His truth to bring clarity and peace.
Lessons to Learn From John 20:9
From John 20:9, we can learn several important lessons for our own spiritual lives. The first lesson is about believing in the unseen. Many times, we may find ourselves in situations where we do not understand what is happening. It’s natural to feel questioned, empty, and even scared. Yet, we must remember that faith often requires us to trust in God’s plan, even when we can’t see it. We must learn to walk by faith and not by sight, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 teaches us.
Another lesson is about the importance of scripture. Just like the disciples, we may overlook the truths found in the Bible. Engaging actively with scripture allows us to have the tools we need to face our doubts and challenges. We can lean on God’s word as a guide in our daily lives, helping us navigate the ups and downs of our journey. Encouraging one another to read, study, and reflect on the Bible can further strengthen our faith community.
It’s crucial to remember our faith community. Just as Mary, Peter, and John leaned on each other during this difficult time, we too should seek support from fellow believers during hardships. Building relationships within our faith family helps us stay anchored in love and truth. Sharing our testimonies, struggles, and encouraging each other can strengthen our walk with Christ. We’ve all had doubts and questions at times, and working together to find answers can help us grow in understanding and spirituality.
The last lesson we might take from this verse is that understanding sometimes takes time. The disciples needed to experience, process, and come to faith on their own terms. This highlights God’s grace and timing. God isn’t asking for perfection but rather a willingness to grow. Understanding will often come in His perfect timing. As we embrace this, we can find confidence that God will guide each step of our journey.
Final Thoughts
John 20:9 serves as a deep reminder of our human nature and need for divine understanding. Even the most devoted followers faced uncertainty and fear, illustrating that doubt can coexist with faith. Through this verse, we see God’s gentle call for each of us to trust in His promises and engage deeply with His Word. It’s not about always having the answers but about walking faithfully with Christ.
As we move through life, may we strive to strengthen and encourage one another in faith, just as Mary and the disciples sought comfort and connection with each other. By doing so, we begin to transform our doubt into a foundation of faith rooted in God’s promises. We can also remind ourselves that our faith does not require complete understanding. We can embrace the mystery of God’s plan while actively working to trust Him completely.
We encourage you to seek greater understanding and trust God with your journey. Take time to engage with scripture and create meaningful connections with others in your faith community. Allow God to nurture your heart and help you walk in faith. As we reflect on John 20:9, let’s consider the lessons, recognize our need for support, and trust that understanding will come. For deeper insights, explore more on topics such as John 7:12 or John 7:13. God bless!