John 20: Group Study Handout

Overview

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb while it is still dark and finds the stone removed (vv. 1-2). She runs to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple.

Key verse

“Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.”

John 20:29 (WEB)

Outline

1. John 20:1–2 Mary's Discovery of the Empty Tomb
2. John 20:3–10 Peter and John's Visit to the Tomb
3. John 20:11–18 Mary Encounters the Risen Jesus
4. John 20:19–23 Jesus Appears to the Disciples
5. John 20:24–29 Thomas's Doubt and Belief
6. John 20:30–31 Purpose of John's Gospel

Discussion questions

1. In v6, what do we see Simon Peter find in the tomb?
2. What does Mary Magdalene say in v13 that shows her distress?
3. In v9, why do the disciples not yet understand the Scripture about Jesus' resurrection?
4. In v24, what does Thomas express about needing proof before he believes?
5. When have you felt doubt about something important, like Thomas in v25?

Go deeper

Passages that echo John 20: Mark 16, Luke 24, John 1.

Before next time: read John 21.