How does Luke 24:43 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Luke 24:43 in Focus “and He took it and ate it in front of them.” (Luke 24:43) Why the Simple Act of Eating Matters • The risen Christ is not a spirit or vision; He possesses a literal, resurrected body. • His physical eating validates every promise that Messiah would conquer death bodily, not merely spiritually. Old Testament Foundations for a Bodily Resurrection • Psalm 16:10 – “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” – Decay is avoided only by literal resurrection; Jesus’ eating displays that living, undecayed body. • Isaiah 53:10-11 – “He will prolong His days … After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied.” – Prolonged days after death require real life; satisfaction naturally includes eating. • Psalm 22:22, 26 – “I will declare Your name to my brothers … The poor will eat and be satisfied.” – Messiah gathers His brothers; the shared meal of satisfaction appears first in miniature when He eats fish with them. Victorious King at Rest • Psalm 110:7 – “He will drink from the brook by the road; therefore He will lift up His head.” – After victory, the King refreshes Himself; Jesus’ post-resurrection meal fits this picture of the triumphant, still-human Son of David. Passover Fulfilled and Continued Fellowship • Exodus 12 instituting the Passover required the slain lamb to be eaten. • Luke 22:15-16 records Jesus longing to eat that Passover “before I suffer.” • Luke 24:43 shows the Lamb Who was slain now alive, continuing table fellowship—proof the sacrifice is complete and accepted. Foretaste of the Messianic Banquet • Isaiah 25:6-8 speaks of the LORD preparing “a banquet … He will swallow up death forever.” – The moment Jesus swallows a piece of fish after swallowing up death, Isaiah’s promise flickers into view. • Every future kingdom feast (Luke 22:30; Revelation 19:9) is guaranteed by this first post-resurrection snack. Key Takeaways for Today • Jesus literally rose; prophecy demanded it, and His eating proves it. • The same Scriptures that foretold His suffering also promised His satisfied, resurrected life—now accomplished. • Believers share the certainty of bodily resurrection and future table fellowship with the living Messiah, because the prophetic pattern has already begun in Luke 24:43. |