What does Jesus' action in Luke 24:40 teach about addressing doubt? The Setting of Doubt in the Upper Room Luke 24 describes the disciples startled, frightened, and wrestling with disbelief even after reports of the empty tomb. Their doors are shut, their hearts unsettled, and their minds clouded by confusion. Jesus Meets Doubt with Evidence “‘When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet’” (Luke 24:40). • Jesus does not scold the disciples for struggling; He supplies what they need. • He chooses visual, tangible proof: healed yet scarred flesh that verifies both crucifixion and resurrection. • The wounds testify that the same body laid in the tomb now stands alive, fulfilling Isaiah 53:5 and Psalm 22:16. Inviting Personal Examination • Luke 24:39 records His open invitation: “Touch Me and see.” • John 20:27 shows the same gracious offer to Thomas: “Put your finger here”. • First John 1:1 later echoes the apostolic confidence that came from “that which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have touched”. Physical Proof Anchors Faith • Christian belief rests on historical fact, not wishful thinking (1 Corinthians 15:14). • The risen body refutes the notion that Jesus was merely a spirit or hallucination. • Acts 1:3 notes He presented Himself alive “with many convincing proofs,” and Luke 24:40 is one of them. Grace-Filled Approach to Questioners • Jesus models patience; He allows space for honest uncertainty. • He responds with transparency rather than secrecy. • He provides objective evidence before calling for subjective trust. Application: Addressing Doubt Today • Offer credible reasons: point to fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, and the reliability of Scripture. • Encourage personal engagement with the text, just as Jesus urged physical engagement with His wounds. • Maintain a welcoming posture; gentle answers dissipate skepticism more effectively than rebuke (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Remember that faith remains God’s gift, yet God often uses tangible proofs—archaeology, historical records, transformed lives—to strengthen that gift. A Closing Reflection on Faith Strengthened Jesus’ action in Luke 24:40 shows that doubt is best met by inviting examination of the real, risen Christ. He offers evidence, extends grace, and calls His followers to move from uncertainty to confident belief grounded in solid truth. |
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