While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Luke 24:36-44
The disciples had been talking about a “Jesus sighting,” when suddenly they were in one. Jesus just appeared out of nowhere. He said, “Peace,” but He might as well have said, “Boo!” They were frightened anyway.
Jesus asked about their doubts. He didn’t ridicule them or chastise them for their doubts. Jesus recognized what the disciples needed, then He gave them proof.
What happened next is significant on many levels. First, Jesus offered proof that He wasn’t a ghost. He showed the disciples the wounds in His body from crucifixion. These were real hands and feet with real scars. Rather than having them stand there pinching themselves, He invited them to touch Him and see that He was real. Then, Jesus ate something. Ghosts certainly didn’t eat.
This wasn’t an illusion. It wasn’t a hoax. This wasn’t paranormal activity. This was supernatural activity. Jesus who was dead was raised to life again. He wasn’t a disembodied spirit. Jesus had a spiritual body. This is a significant proof of His resurrection. It’s also a significant sign of what our resurrected bodies will be like one day (1 Corinthians 15:42-57).
God gives us all that we need to successfully live our lives for Him. When we need more understanding, God gives us His Word. When we need to trust more deeply, He lets things get out of control. Well, at least out of our control. When we need to grow, He challenges us with obedience. When we need to become more loving, God gives us a difficult person.
What do you need from God today? Maybe the circumstance you’re in and the people you’re dealing with are part of God’s solution.
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