What is the meaning of Luke 24:42? So • Luke signals immediate action flowing from verse 41, where the risen Lord asks, “Have you anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:41). • The little word “So” connects His request with the disciples’ response, underscoring that this narrative is historical, not symbolic (cf. Acts 1:3, which states Jesus presented Himself “with many convincing proofs”). • It also highlights Jesus’ gracious condescension; He initiates the moment so His followers will grasp the tangible reality of His resurrection body (cf. 1 John 1:1-2). They Gave • The disciples act together—“they”—showing unified witness to what happens (cf. John 20:19-20, where Jesus stands among them all). • Giving affirms hospitality and obedience; they promptly meet the Lord’s request, just as earlier disciples “gave” their cloaks for His entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:35). • Their action fulfills Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from the one to whom it is due.” The risen Christ is worthy of every act of service, however small. • The scene also anticipates Acts 10:41, where Peter recalls that after the resurrection, “we ate and drank with Him.” Him • “Him” unmistakably refers to Jesus Himself—not a vision, not a spirit, but the very Person who was crucified and is now alive (Luke 24:39-40). • His acceptance of food confirms His bodily resurrection; spirits do not eat (cf. Luke 24:37-39). • This personal interaction affirms relationship: the same Lord who broke bread before the cross (Luke 22:19) now receives food from His friends, demonstrating continuity of identity. A Piece of Broiled Fish • The food is ordinary, emphasizing that resurrection life intersects everyday life. • Broiled fish recalls earlier miracles: Jesus fed the multitude with fish (Luke 9:13-17) and later will prepare fish for the disciples on the shore (John 21:9-13). • By eating common fare, Jesus shows He is not removed from human experience; He redeems it. • The specificity (“a piece of broiled fish”) is eyewitness detail, reinforcing the historical reliability of Luke’s Gospel (cf. Luke 1:1-4). summary Luke 24:42 records a simple yet profound act: the disciples hand the risen Jesus a piece of broiled fish, which He eats. This moment provides concrete proof that His resurrection was physical, not merely spiritual. It demonstrates the disciples’ obedient service, Jesus’ continued fellowship with His followers, and the Gospel writer’s commitment to precise, eyewitness testimony. |
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