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." Look at My hands and My feet.The wounds from the crucifixion identified the risen Jesus as the One who had been nailed to the cross. His scars fulfilled the suffering portrayed in Psalm 22:16 and demonstrated that the resurrection did not erase the reality of His death. In Jerusalem, where He had been publicly condemned and crucified only days earlier, the marks in His body provided unmistakable evidence for disciples struggling to comprehend what had happened. Jhn 20:20 After He had said this, He showed them His hands… It is I Myself. Jesus affirmed personal continuity between the crucified Lord and the risen Lord. He had not returned as a different being, a vision, or an impersonal spiritual presence. The same Jesus who taught, suffered, died, and was buried now stood alive before them, vindicated by the Father and victorious over death. Jhn 6:20 But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Touch Me and see— Jesus invited investigation rather than demanding blind acceptance. The disciples were to become witnesses whose proclamation rested on direct encounter with the risen Christ. Thomas later received a similar invitation, and his confession, “My Lord and my God,” showed where honest examination of the evidence led. Jhn 20:27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here.”… for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, Jesus distinguished His resurrected body from a disembodied spirit or ghostly appearance. His body was real and tangible, though glorified and no longer subject to death. The resurrection involved more than the survival of His soul; the crucified body was raised in power, anticipating the bodily resurrection promised to all who belong to Him. Eph 5:30 For we are members of His body. as you see I have.” Sight and touch confirmed what fear had made difficult to believe. The disciples’ testimony rested on what they had seen and handled, equipping them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. The risen Christ’s visible wounds also revealed that His victory came through the sacrifice by which He redeemed His people. Act 1:3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe resurrected Lord who appears to His disciples, affirming His physical resurrection. 2. Disciples The followers of Jesus who are gathered and initially frightened, thinking they see a spirit. 3. Jerusalem The city where these post-resurrection appearances occur, central to the events of Jesus' death and resurrection. 4. Resurrection The event of Jesus rising from the dead, a cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating victory over sin and death. Teaching Points The Reality of the ResurrectionJesus' invitation to touch His hands and feet underscores the physical reality of His resurrection, affirming that He is not merely a spirit but has a glorified body. This truth is foundational to Christian faith, providing assurance of life after death. Faith and Evidence Jesus provides tangible evidence to His disciples to strengthen their faith. This teaches us that faith is not blind but can be supported by evidence and reason. Hope in Our Resurrection Jesus' resurrection is the firstfruits of our own future resurrection. Believers can have hope that they too will be raised with glorified bodies, free from the corruption of sin and death. Jesus' Personal Presence Jesus emphasizes "It is I Myself," highlighting His personal presence and relationship with His followers. This reminds us of the personal nature of our relationship with Christ. Overcoming Doubt The disciples' initial fear and doubt are met with Jesus' reassurance. This encourages us to bring our doubts to Jesus, trusting Him to provide clarity and peace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' physical resurrection impact your understanding of life after death?2. In what ways can you strengthen your faith by seeking evidence of God's work in your life and the world? 3. How does the promise of a future resurrection body influence your daily life and decisions? 4. What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus, knowing He desires to be present with you? 5. How can you address and overcome doubts in your faith journey, using the example of the disciples' encounter with the risen Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures John 20:27Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, reinforcing the physical reality of His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 Paul discusses the nature of the resurrected body, emphasizing its transformation yet continuity with the earthly body. Philippians 3:21 Paul speaks of the transformation of our lowly bodies to be like Jesus' glorious body, highlighting the hope of resurrection. Acts 1:3 Jesus presents Himself alive with many convincing proofs, showing the importance of His physical resurrection. People Cleopas, James, Jesus, Joanna, Mary, Peter, SimonPlaces Bethany, Emmaus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to EmmausTopics Behold, Bones, Doesn't, Feel, Flesh, Ghost, Handle, Hands, Myself, Self, Spirit, Touch, TrulyDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 24:39 2555 Christ, resurrection appearances 2555 Christ, resurrection appearances 8837 unbelief, and life of faith Library Good FridayEversley, 1856. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." This is a very solemn day; for on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The question for us is, how ought we to keep it? that is, what sort of thoughts ought to be in our minds upon this day? Now, many most excellent and pious persons, and most pious books, seem to think that we ought to-day to think as much as possible of the sufferings of our Blessed Lord; and because we … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons February 11 Morning March 23 Evening September 18 Morning December 7. "Abide with Us; for it is Toward Evening" (Luke xxiv. 29). Peter Alone with Jesus The First Easter Sunrise The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples The Meal at Emmaus The Triumphant End Christ's Witnesses The Living Dead The Ascension "I Know!" Spiritual Power. On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in the Midst of Them, and Saith unto Them, Peace be unto You," Etc. Beginning at Jerusalem The Wounds of Jesus Twenty-Fourth Day for the Spirit on Your Own Congregation Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ The Shadow of Disappointment. 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