What does "touch me and see" reveal about Jesus' post-resurrection body? Setting the Scene Luke 24 finds the risen Lord suddenly standing among His startled disciples. Their first reaction is fear—“they thought they were seeing a spirit” (Luke 24:37). Jesus answers that fear with an invitation: “Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39) Key Phrase Explored: “Touch Me and See” • “Touch” – a call to physical contact, not mere observation. • “See” – an appeal to their senses as reliable witnesses. • Jesus is providing empirical proof that He is literally, bodily alive. What This Reveals About Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Body • Physical continuity – The scars remain (John 20:27), tying the risen body to the crucified one. • Tangible flesh and bones – He explicitly differentiates Himself from a disembodied spirit. • Capacity to eat – Immediately after, He asks for food and eats fish before them (Luke 24:41-43). • Supernatural qualities – Though tangible, He enters locked rooms (John 20:19) and vanishes from sight (Luke 24:31), showing a glorified transformation. • Immortality – Romans 6:9 declares, “Death no longer has dominion over Him.” His new body is death-proof. • Firstfruits pattern – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 calls Him “the firstfruits,” guaranteeing a similar bodily resurrection for believers. • Same identity, enhanced glory – “It is I Myself” affirms continuity of person; yet His glorified body is fitted for heaven (Philippians 3:21). Implications for Our Future Hope • Bodily resurrection is literal, not symbolic (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). • The coming resurrection body will be recognizable, tangible, yet glorified like His (1 John 3:2). • Salvation encompasses spirit and body; redemption is complete (Romans 8:23). Takeaways for Today • The empty tomb and scar-bearing, touchable Savior anchor faith in historical reality. • Fear and doubt are answered by Christ’s living presence. • Hope for eternal, bodily life rests on the same resurrection power that raised Jesus (Ephesians 1:19-20). |
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