Sunday School Commentary on John 20:19-23 for the week of 03-22-15

John 20:19-23 is the when, where, how, where, and the why of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus with his disciples. It is also the 5th of 10 post-resurrection appearances after he arose from the grave after being dead for 3 days.V.19:contains the WHEN - it was the first day of the week. The WHERE is in the Upper Room where Jesus and the disciple ate the Passover meal. The HOW is in the  question how did he appear ‘’in the midst’’ of them ‘’when the door was shut’’? V.21: is the it is I, Jesus shows his 3 day scars on his hands and his side.   V.21 answers the WHY and gives the assurance they will live and provide evangelistic service unto the Lord. V: 22&23: is the WHAT and the WHY questions-- these verses are filled with controversy in Christendom. Catholics say one thing and Protestants say something else or not. Catholicism claims these verses as the authority which gives a priest the right to hear confessions and forgive sins. Protestants stumbles in their critique by quoting Luke 24:33 which happens 7 days later it say ‘’others’’ were in the room including the 11 when John 20:24 put 10 in the room for Thomas was absent.