What doubts do you struggle with, and how can this verse strengthen faith? Setting the Scene: Joyful, Yet Struggling to Believe “And while they still could not believe it for joy and amazement, He asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ ” (Luke 24:41) The risen Jesus stands in the middle of the frightened disciples. They see His scars, hear His voice, but their emotions swirl: joy, astonishment, lingering disbelief. So the Lord does something wonderfully ordinary—He asks for food and eats in front of them. His action targets their doubts head-on. Common Doubts We Face Today • Is the resurrection really historical, or is it a spiritual metaphor? • Can I trust my senses and reason when Scripture claims the miraculous? • Does Jesus still care about physical needs, or only spiritual matters? • Am I personally forgiven and welcomed, or does my sin disqualify me? • Will God provide tangible evidence when my faith feels weak? How Luke 24:41 Addresses Each Doubt • Historical Certainty – Jesus’ request for food is concrete evidence of a bodily resurrection, not a vision or ghost (Luke 24:39). – Acts 1:3 underscores this: “After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs…”. • Trusting Senses and Scripture Together – The disciples touch Him, watch Him chew and swallow. Sight, touch, and sound align with His prior promise (Luke 9:22). – 1 John 1:1 affirms eyewitness testimony: “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have touched…”. • God Cares for Physical Life – By eating, Jesus honors the material world He created and will one day fully redeem (Romans 8:21). – He meets the disciples at a table, just as He feeds multitudes (Luke 9:13-17) and prepares breakfast for Peter (John 21:12-13). • Assurance of Personal Welcome – Jesus does not rebuke their mixed emotions; He invites them closer. His first words are “Peace to you” (Luke 24:36). – Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” because He sympathizes with our weaknesses. • Evidence for the Weak-Kneed – The Lord provides exactly what will strengthen faith: proof tailored to their need. – Jude 22 urges, “Have mercy on those who doubt.” Jesus models that mercy in real time. Reinforced by the Whole Counsel of Scripture • John 20:27—Thomas is invited to touch the wounds. • 1 Corinthians 15:3-8—Over five hundred witnesses verify the resurrection. • Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” The call to experiential faith echoes in Jesus’ meal. • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Eyewitness testimony in Scripture feeds today’s faith just as fish and honeycomb fed the disciples. Steps to Strengthen Faith Today 1. Read the eyewitness accounts aloud. Hearing Scripture activates Romans 10:17. 2. List lingering doubts in a journal. Compare each one with a specific resurrection proof text (Luke 24; John 20; 1 Corinthians 15). 3. Engage the senses in remembrance—celebrate the Lord’s Supper, reflecting on His bodily resurrection and promised return. 4. Seek fellowship. Just as Jesus revealed Himself in community, faith is reinforced when believers recount God’s acts together (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Recall past personal “proofs.” Write down answered prayers, providential moments, and transformed habits. These tangible memories echo His request for fish and confirm He is still at work. Luke 24:41 shows a Savior who welcomes honest doubt, supplies solid evidence, and anchors faith in real history. The same risen Lord stands ready to steady hearts today. |
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