Explain ways in which the GJn tries to convince the reader that Jesus resurrection was real
Throughout the gospel of John there is a definite sense that the writer is trying to convince the reader that Jesus’ resurrection was indeed real and not just simply an illusion. ... This suggests that they think that the body has not been stolen, but instead that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead. When the disciples initially arrived at the tomb, the fact that the burial cloths were still lying there and the fact that they had been folded up, made it seem more likely that Jesus had risen rather than his body stolen, as thieves would probably now have left the burial cloth, or at least they would have folded the linen. ... Now initially this suggests that she believes that someone has come to the tomb and removed the body; however, shortly after this, she sees Jesus standing behind her, and this emphasises that he did indeed rise from the dead as he was seen living, breathing, and walking. However, there is a point of doubt in that when Mary attempts to touch Jesus, Jesus tells her not to, therefore as no physical contact was made, one could always assume that it was some sort of apparition. ... There was conversation between Mary and Jesus, and a reasonable excuse given as to why no physical contact could be made.