John 20:11-31

 (1) Mary was still convinced that Jesus' body was taken away v.13 and she tried to asked the "supposed gardener" to give her back the body v.15. 

However, Jesus' took the initiative to show Himself first to Mary v.14 and to the disciples twice v.19 and 26. Note, in all 3 occurrence all the witnesses did not expect to see Him. Mary did not know that it was Jesus Who spoke to her v.14, the door was locked when the disciples gathered together v.19 and 26. 

v.26b  Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (You can skip NET notes below if you have no problem with the explanation with the closed door.)

(NET) The fact that the disciples locked the doors is a perfectly understandable reaction to the events of the past few days. But what is the significance of the inclusion of this statement by the author? It is often taken to mean that Jesus, when he entered the room, passed through the closed doors. This may well be the case, but it may be assuming too much about our knowledge of the mode in which the resurrected body of Jesus exists. The text does not explicitly state how Jesus got through the closed doors. It is possible to assume that the doors opened of their own accord before him, or that he simply appeared in the middle of the room without passing through the doors at all. The point the author makes here is simply that the closed doors were no obstacle at all to the resurrected Jesus.

Jesus promised His disciples that He would not abandon them and they would see Him again in joy. Jesus came to them and appeared to them. 

20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

(NET) When the disciples recognized Jesus...they were suddenly overcome with joy. This was a fulfillment of Jesus’ words to the disciples in the Farewell Discourse (16:20–22) that they would have sorrow while the world rejoiced, but that their sorrow would be turned to lasting joy when they saw him again.

Reflection:  Have you ever doubted that Jesus will leave you alone, especially during your difficult time? Jesus appeared to the disciples when they were afraid and closed the door. He appeared to Mary when she was weeping. The Holy Spirit indwells in us and there is no doubt to us that God will not abandon us in all circumstances.

(2) Both Mary and disciples were joyful when they saw Jesus. However, Jesus did not just want to have a reunion with them only. He has a mission for them. 

To Mary, Jesus said,

v.17b Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”

To the disciples, 

20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

Reflection: For those who witnessed the resurrected LORD Jesus sent them to tell others. How about us? What have you witnessed? What can you tell others?

Audrey