Luke 24:36-43 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this,he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.
In this post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, he wanted to allow his disciples to see that he was not a mere spirit ... but that when he rose from the dead, he did so body and all! To prove this was the case, he urged them to touch him to see that his body was real. In addition, he ate before them ... again demonstrating that he had a real body. Jesus went to these lengths because the disciples were harboring doubts. But their doubts were not arising from a spirit of unbelief. Rather, Luke tells us that their doubts sprang from their joy and marvel. Really? Really!
Place yourself in the disciples' sandals. You had just seen your Master - the One you had left everything to follow; the One whom you were banking your entire future upon - violently executed upon a Roman cross. Now ... against all reason and against all hope this dead Messiah was now alive and standing before you. Could it be? Or was it indeed "too good to be true?" (for as you have been taught ... if something is too good to be true it probably is!). So in spite of seeing Jesus alive and well - you just might find it hard to believe. Yes?
Jesus, knowing this to be their situation, wanted to leave no doubts in their minds that he was indeed alive! One day, you and I will not have to imagine seeing the risen Jesus. We will see him ... body and all!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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