Luke 24:36-39 is about Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, showing them his physical form, and emphasizing the reality of his resurrection by inviting them to touch him and see that he is not a spirit.
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”
37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.
38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39 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.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 24:36-39
In Luke chapter 24, we find the scene where Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples are gathered together in a room, filled with fear and confusion after the crucifixion of Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, standing in their midst. The disciples are startled and frightened, thinking they are seeing a ghost.
The room is dimly lit, with the disciples huddled together, whispering and trying to make sense of the events that have transpired. Jesus, with his wounds still visible from the crucifixion, speaks to them, calming their fears and proving his identity by showing them his hands and feet. He invites them to touch him and see that he is not a ghost but their beloved teacher, now resurrected.
The disciples are a mix of emotions – disbelief, joy, awe, and wonder. They are witnessing a miracle right before their eyes, as Jesus explains the scriptures to them and opens their minds to understand the prophecies that foretold his resurrection. This moment is a turning point for the disciples, as they begin to grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
What is Luke 24:36-39 about?
This verse showcases the powerful significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus proves the reality of His resurrection with tangible evidence by appearing to His disciples after His death. His physical presence and the act of eating food in front of His disciples demonstrate that He is not a mere spirit or illusion but a living, breathing being who has triumphed over death.
This moment not only confirms the truth of Jesus’ resurrection but also shows the continuity between His pre- and post-resurrection self. He reassures His disciples that He is the same Jesus they knew and loved, dispelling any doubts about His identity. The act of eating food also symbolizes normalcy and humanity, highlighting the miraculous yet grounded nature of His resurrection.
Imagine the disciples’ awe and joy at witnessing this miraculous event—how their fear and doubt must have melted away in the presence of their resurrected Lord. This verse reminds us of the profound hope and victory that comes with Christ’s resurrection, assuring us of His eternal presence and power over death. It is a reminder of the transformative impact of Jesus’ resurrection on believers then and now, offering strength, assurance, and a deeper understanding of the reality of His victory over death.
Understanding what Luke 24:36-39 really means
In Luke 24:36-39, we encounter a pivotal moment after Jesus’ resurrection, where He appears to His disciples, emphasizing the reality of His physical presence. The significance of this passage lies in its affirmation of Jesus’ resurrection, dispelling doubts and fears while offering peace and reassurance to His followers.
As Jesus greets His disciples with “Peace be with you,” we see the profound message of reconciliation and tranquility that His resurrection brings. This simple yet profound greeting encapsulates the transformative power of Christ’s victory over death, offering a peace that transcends understanding and restores broken relationships.
The disciples’ initial reaction of being “startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost” reflects the common human response to the miraculous. Their disbelief underscores the challenge of accepting the extraordinary, even when it stands before them in the person of Jesus. This moment prompts us to consider our own reactions to the miraculous in our lives and how we grapple with the intersection of faith and doubt.
Jesus, in His compassion and understanding, invites the disciples to “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!” By showing them His wounds, He provides tangible evidence of His physical resurrection, inviting them to touch and verify His presence. This act of transparency and vulnerability speaks to the authenticity of Jesus’ resurrection and His willingness to engage with His followers in their doubts and uncertainties.
Moreover, Jesus goes further to dispel any lingering doubts by declaring, “A ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” His invitation to touch Him and see reinforces the concrete reality of His resurrection, challenging the disciples to move beyond their initial disbelief and embrace the truth of His victory over death. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the physicality of Jesus’ resurrection and the continuity of His presence among His followers.
In our contemporary context, the message of Luke 24:36-39 resonates deeply, offering assurance of faith, a pathway to overcoming doubt, and a source of peace in troubled times. Just as the disciples transitioned from fear to faith upon encountering the risen Christ, we are called to move beyond our uncertainties and embrace the reality of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives. His greeting of peace echoes through the ages, reminding us that His presence brings calm amidst life’s storms and assurance in the face of uncertainty.
In conclusion, the passage from Luke 24:36-39 serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring reality of Jesus’ resurrection and His abiding presence in our lives. It challenges us to confront our doubts, find peace in His presence, and live with the assurance that He is always with us, just as He was with His disciples. May we, like the disciples, move from fear to faith, embracing the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives.
How can we discern between spirit and flesh?
One way we can discern between spirit and flesh is by understanding that spirits do not have flesh and bones. This can help us recognize that spirit is different from physical matter. Another way to discern between spirit and flesh is by recognizing that the spirit is not limited by physical boundaries or constraints. Spirits do not experience hunger or thirst like the flesh does. Finally, we can discern between spirit and flesh by acknowledging that spirits do not age or deteriorate in the same way that our physical bodies do. Understanding these distinctions can help us differentiate between the spiritual realm and the physical realm.
Application
Embrace the power of Christ’s victory and let it illuminate your life like a beacon in the darkness. Share this transformative message with the same passion you bring to your work and the love you show your family. Will you rise to the challenge and boldly proclaim the good news to those who need it most?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.