John 20 narrates the discovery of the empty tomb and several resurrection encounters, moving from confusion and grief to recognition, mission, and Thomas' confession before explaining that the Gospel's selected signs are written to lead readers toward belief and life.
Mary Magdalene finds the stone removed and reports the missing body. Peter and the beloved disciple run to the tomb, see the grave cloths, and leave with different levels of response while the narrator notes that they did not yet understand the Scripture about resurrection. Mary remains, encounters two angels, and then recognizes Jesus when he calls her by name.
Jesus later appears among the disciples behind locked doors, speaks peace, shows his wounds, commissions them, and speaks about the Holy Spirit. Thomas is absent and refuses to accept their testimony without direct evidence. A week later Jesus meets his demand and Thomas answers with the climactic confession, 'My Lord and my God.' The chapter then states why these signs were written.
Mary reports the missing body, Peter and the beloved disciple inspect the tomb, and the narrative distinguishes seeing from fully understanding the resurrection.
Mary's grief turns to recognition when Jesus calls her by name, and she is sent to announce what she has seen and heard.
Behind locked doors, Jesus speaks peace, shows his wounds, commissions the disciples, and speaks about receiving the Holy Spirit.
Thomas' demand for direct evidence is answered by Jesus' later appearance, leading to his confession and a blessing concerning those who believe without seeing.
The narrator explains that the signs have been selected and written so readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in his name.
The chapter repeatedly moves characters from incomplete evidence or grief toward personal recognition of the risen Jesus.
Resurrection appearance is immediately connected with commissioning: Jesus' peace is followed by sending the disciples as the Father sent him.
The chapter's closing purpose statement gives readers an interpretive key for the whole Gospel's selective use of signs.
Thomas' confession and the purpose statement bring the Gospel's opening claims about the Word and Jesus' identity toward a narrative climax.
The risen Jesus' repeated peace and the disciples' joy answer promises made before the arrest.