Luke 24:39 – “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus speaks directly to His disciples to calm their fears and address their doubts. They had just seen Him appear suddenly in their midst and were terrified, thinking He was a ghost (Luke 24:37). But Jesus reassures them by inviting them to see and touch His physical body. By showing them the wounds in His hands and feet, He proves that He is the same Jesus who was crucified and that He has been physically raised from the dead.
Jesus’ emphasis on His “flesh and bones” highlights the fact that His resurrection was bodily, not just a spiritual event or a vision. His resurrection wasn’t symbolic—it was a real, physical victory over death. By touching Him, the disciples could confirm for themselves that this was no illusion or trick. Jesus wanted them to fully understand that He was alive and present with them.
Historical Context
In the first-century Jewish world, the concept of resurrection typically referred to the end of time, when the righteous would be raised bodily. While the disciples believed in this general idea of resurrection, they didn’t expect it to happen in the present, and they certainly didn’t expect their teacher, who had been crucified just days earlier, to rise in this way.
At the time, people were familiar with the idea of spirits or ghosts, and many believed that spirits could appear after death. When Jesus suddenly appeared to them, their initial reaction was fear because they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus addresses this cultural belief head-on by emphasizing the tangible reality of His resurrected body.
Theological Implications
This verse is central to understanding the Christian belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. His resurrection wasn’t just spiritual or symbolic—it involved His physical body being raised and transformed. This is significant because it confirms that Jesus’ victory over death was complete. Death wasn’t just defeated in some abstract, spiritual sense; it was conquered fully, including the physical realm.
The bodily resurrection also has implications for believers. Just as Jesus was raised bodily, Christians have the hope of a future bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This reinforces the idea that salvation isn’t just about escaping this world—it’s about the restoration of all creation, including the human body.
Additionally, Jesus’ invitation to touch His wounds highlights His understanding of human doubt and the importance of evidence in faith. He didn’t condemn the disciples for their fear and disbelief. Instead, He provided them with the proof they needed to believe, demonstrating that faith is not blind but is supported by God’s work in history.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s account of this moment is rich with sensory details—Jesus shows His hands and feet, invites the disciples to touch Him, and emphasizes His physical presence. The repetition of “look” and “see” underscores the importance of the disciples’ firsthand experience. Luke is emphasizing that their faith was grounded in real events, not just stories or visions.
The contrast between the disciples’ initial fear and the reassurance they receive from Jesus is a key theme in the passage. Their journey from doubt to belief reflects the broader pattern of the resurrection appearances, where Jesus meets people in their confusion and leads them to understanding.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:27 – Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, addressing his doubts and leading him to faith.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul explains the nature of the resurrection body, emphasizing that it will be imperishable and glorified.
- Philippians 3:21 – Jesus will transform believers’ bodies to be like His glorious body.
- Acts 10:40-41 – Peter testifies that Jesus appeared to His followers after His resurrection, and they saw and ate with Him.
- Revelation 1:17-18 – Jesus declares that He is the living one who was dead but is now alive forever.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a powerful reminder that faith is rooted in real, historical events. Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a spiritual experience—it was a tangible, physical event witnessed by His followers. This provides a firm foundation for faith, giving believers confidence that their hope in Christ is not in vain.
This verse also speaks to those who struggle with doubt. Jesus didn’t dismiss the disciples’ doubts or scold them for being afraid. Instead, He met them where they were and provided them with the evidence they needed. Christians today can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands their doubts and is willing to meet them with grace and reassurance.
Additionally, the promise of a bodily resurrection offers hope for the future. Just as Jesus was raised, believers can look forward to being raised to new life, free from sin, death, and suffering.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how Jesus gently and patiently addresses the disciples’ doubts. He doesn’t demand blind faith—He provides them with the proof they need to believe. This reflects God’s desire for His people to know the truth and to have a relationship with Him built on trust and understanding.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just for His own benefit—it was for the sake of humanity. By conquering death, Jesus opened the way for all who believe in Him to experience eternal life. His love is demonstrated in His willingness to suffer and die, and His resurrection is the proof that His love has triumphed over death.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse reveals Jesus as the risen Savior who conquered death and offers eternal life. His physical resurrection is proof that He is who He claimed to be—the Son of God who has authority over life and death. By showing His wounds, Jesus connects His suffering on the cross to His victory over the grave, demonstrating that His death was not the end but the means through which salvation was achieved.
Jesus’ invitation to touch His hands and feet also shows His compassion and understanding of human weakness. He didn’t expect the disciples to believe without evidence. Instead, He provided them with what they needed to trust in Him, reflecting His role as both Savior and Teacher.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized the physical nature of His resurrection by showing His hands and feet?
- How does knowing that Jesus was physically raised from the dead strengthen your faith?
- Have you ever struggled with doubts in your faith? How can this verse encourage you to bring those doubts to Jesus?
- What does the promise of a future bodily resurrection mean for your understanding of eternal life?
- How can you share the hope of the resurrection with others, especially those who may be skeptical or unsure?