Neither Mary Magdelene's report of seeing the Risen Christ nor Peter's seeing the empty tomb brings the disciples to believe that Jesus has risen. Their witness, however, did prepare the disciples to believe readily in the Risen Christ when he appeared to them on Easter evening (John 20:19-31.) Thomas, who wasn't there that first evening is even more incredulous than the others had been. When he does come to faith he exclaims it in titles higher than can be found in any of the four Gospels, "My Lord and my God!"
John concludes the passage by telling us his readers that he has recorded these signs "that you may have faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this faith you may have life in his name."
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