What does Jesus eating signify about His nature and our future resurrection bodies? The Moment Around the Meal Luke testifies: “and He took it and ate it in front of them.” (Luke 24:43) • Moments earlier Jesus had said, “Look at My hands and My feet… a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39) • Still stunned, the disciples hand Him broiled fish and honeycomb; He deliberately eats where every eye can see (Luke 24:41-43). What the Meal Proves About Jesus’ Resurrection Body • Tangible reality – He chews, swallows, and digests; ghosts do none of that. • Continuity with His pre-cross body – the same hands still bear nail scars (John 20:27), now handling food. • Glorified enhancement – this very body can also pass through locked doors (John 20:19) and vanish at Emmaus (Luke 24:31), showing new abilities without losing physical substance. What the Meal Reveals About Jesus Himself • He remains fully human forever, not merely appearing human. • He affirms the goodness of God’s created order; redemption does not scrap the material world but restores it. • He keeps covenant fellowship—sharing a table has always signified relationship (Exodus 24:9-11; Luke 22:19-20). Firstfruits: How Jesus’ Body Predicts Ours 1 Corinthians 15 calls the risen Christ “the firstfruits” (v. 20). What happened to Him will happen to every believer. • Same pattern of continuity and transformation (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). • Our “lowly bodies” will be “like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). • We will recognize one another, yet without mortality, disease, or decay. • Eating is part of the promise: – “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9) – “you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.” (Luke 22:30) – “I will… drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) Why Eating Matters for Our Future Hope • Bodily resurrection means the redemption of the whole person—spirit and flesh (Romans 8:23). • Everyday pleasures such as taste, smell, and fellowship will be purified, not discarded. • The coming kingdom is not an ethereal mist; it is a renewed, physical creation where the risen Lord dines with His people. • Therefore grief over present weakness is temporary; everything broken in us will be raised imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual in orientation yet fully material in substance (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Living Today in Light of That Tomorrow • Confidence – The empty tomb guarantees our own graves will be temporary. • Comfort – Loved ones in Christ will rise with real, embrace-able bodies. • Purpose – What we do with our bodies now matters; they are destined for eternal service, not disposal. • Anticipation – Every earthly meal whispering “taste and see” points ahead to the eternal feast with the once-dead, forever-living Savior who still delights to eat with His friends. |
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