Jesus Appears to His Followers(Mt. 28:16-20; Mk. 16:14-18; Lk. 24:36-49)

¹⁹The day was Sunday. That same evening the followers were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the Jews. Then Jesus came and stood among them. Jesus said, "Peace be with you!" ²⁰After Jesus said this, he showed the followers his hands and his side. The followers were very happy when they saw the Lord. ²¹Then Jesus said again, "Peace be with you! The Father sent me. In the same way, I now send you." ²²After Jesus said that, he breathed [on the followers]. Jesus said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.* ²³If you forgive people's sins, then their sins are forgiven. If you don't forgive people's sins, then their sins are not forgiven."

Jesus Appears to Thomas

²⁴Thomas (called Didymus) was not with the followers when Jesus came. Thomas was one of the twelve. ²⁵The other followers told Thomas, "We saw the Lord." Thomas said, "I will not believe it until I see the nail holes in his hands. And I will not believe until I put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side." ²⁶A week later the followers were in the house again. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. Jesus said, "Peace be with you!" ²⁷Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and start believing." ²⁸Thomas said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!" ²⁹Jesus said to Thomas, "You believe because you see me. Those people that believe without seeing me will be truly blessed."

Why John Wrote This Book

³⁰Jesus did many other miracles* that his followers saw. Those miracles are not written in this book. ³¹But these things are written so that you can believe that Jesus is the Christ,* the Son of God. Then, by believing, you can have life through his name.

Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. miracle(s) Miracles are amazing works done by God's power. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God.