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Book of John - Chapter 20 - Verse 20

20:20
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Meaning

When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he showed them his wounds as proof of his identity. By revealing his hands and side, which were pierced during his crucifixion, he demonstrated that he was indeed the same Jesus who had been crucified. This act not only confirmed his identity but also fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. The disciples, who were initially filled with fear and doubt, were filled with joy and gladness when they saw the Lord alive before them. The wounds on his hands and side served as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity's sins and paved the way for salvation. The disciples' joy upon seeing Jesus alive is a testament to the power of his resurrection and the hope it brought to all believers. This moment solidified their faith and strengthened their resolve to spread the good news of Jesus' victory over death.

Theological Overview

The verse 'And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.' from John 20:20 provides a glimpse into the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the significance of Jesus showing his hands and side, which bore the marks of his crucifixion. Jesus' wounds served as a tangible reminder of his sacrifice for humanity and a confirmation of his identity as the resurrected Lord. The disciples' joy upon seeing Jesus highlights the fulfillment of his promise to rise again, bringing hope and reassurance to those who had followed him. Word studies on phrases like 'shewed unto them' and 'were glad' can deepen our understanding of the emotions and actions of the disciples in response to this miraculous event. Overall, this verse underscores the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the profound impact it had on his followers.

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