I was fascinated by some of the little details that John includes in John 20. John includes these so that we will think about the three appearances that Jesus makes after the resurrection.
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene after she sees the empty tomb as a picture of atonement.
Jesus appears to the disciples and offers the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, Jesus appears to Thomas and offers answers to his lack of faith.
Atonement, power and faith. What an important trio! Here are three things that John would like us to know about what we have in Christ. We have atonement through Christ - we have been cleansed and brought back to God. We also have power - through the Holy Spirit to be effective in ministry. And we have faith - a belief that leads us to obedience when obedience seems so counter-intuitive.
Here is where the resurrection meets us directly and John wants us to see how this truth transforms life!
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