How can we apply Jesus' example in Luke 24:40 to our witness? Setting the Scene “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.” (Luke 24:40) The risen Jesus steps into a room full of startled disciples. Instead of only telling them He’s alive, He literally rolls up His sleeves (so to speak) and lets everyone see the nail scars. The proof is visible, tangible, undeniable. Their fear melts into joy, and their doubt turns into bold proclamation. That single gesture becomes the catalyst for the church’s witness. What Jesus Did: He Showed the Evidence • He offered physical, concrete proof—no smoke and mirrors. • He welcomed inspection; nothing was hidden or off-limits. • He met them at their level of doubt instead of rebuking them for it. • He tied His wounds to His identity: the crucified One is now the living Lord. Principles for Our Witness • Authenticity over abstraction – People need to see that our faith is more than words. • Transparency over secrecy – We don’t air every detail, but we don’t pretend we’ve never struggled. • Evidence over mere assertion – We point to real-life transformation, answered prayer, fulfilled prophecy, historical reliability. • Compassion over condemnation – Doubters aren’t enemies; they’re potential disciples. • Christ-centered testimony – The spotlight stays on Jesus, not on personal achievement. Practical Ways to “Show Your Hands and Feet” Today 1. Share a recent, specific answer to prayer—a “scar” that’s now a story of God’s faithfulness. 2. Let people see your integrity in everyday choices: honesty at work, purity in relationships, generosity with money. 3. Invite others into your home and routine so they observe the gospel lived out, not just preached. 4. Volunteer where brokenness is visible—homeless shelters, crisis-pregnancy centers, prison ministries—so your service becomes tangible proof of Christ’s love. 5. Speak openly about past failures and how Jesus healed them; scars testify that sin’s wounds are real, but so is His forgiveness. 6. Use apologetics humbly: historical evidence for the resurrection, fulfilled prophecy, and the reliability of Scripture are modern “hands and feet” for a skeptical world. 7. Stay accessible. Jesus said, “Touch Me and see” (Luke 24:39). Be the believer who answers texts, meets for coffee, and listens without rushing. Scriptures That Echo This Approach • John 20:27 – “Then Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see My hands… Stop doubting and believe.’” • Acts 1:3 – “He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive.” • 1 John 1:1-3 – “That which we have seen… and touched with our hands… we proclaim to you.” • 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 – “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” • 1 Peter 3:15-16 – “Always be prepared to give a defense… with gentleness and respect.” Closing Encouragement Every scar Jesus showed proved two things: the reality of His suffering and the reality of His victory. Your transformed life can do the same. Live openly, speak honestly, love sacrificially. When people see Christ’s marks on you, many will believe the message you share. |
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