Luke 24:40 – “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus follows up His words to the disciples by showing them the physical evidence of His resurrection: the wounds in His hands and feet. These were the marks left by the nails from His crucifixion. By showing His wounds, Jesus is proving that He is the same person who was crucified and that His resurrection was physical, not just spiritual or symbolic. The disciples, who had been terrified and doubting moments before, are now presented with undeniable proof that Jesus has risen from the dead.
This act of showing His hands and feet was not only meant to calm their fears but also to confirm that His death had accomplished its purpose—He had borne their sins, and His resurrection was the victory over sin and death. The scars, rather than being a sign of defeat, were now a sign of victory.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish thought, the idea of someone returning from the dead would typically be associated with spirits or visions. The disciples, living in this cultural context, were initially frightened because they thought Jesus was a ghost (Luke 24:37). Showing His wounds was Jesus’ way of addressing their doubts and proving that He had been physically raised.
Crucifixion was a common method of execution used by the Romans, and the wounds from the nails would have been unmistakable evidence of Jesus’ death. The fact that Jesus’ resurrected body still bore these marks shows that His resurrection wasn’t a reversal of death but a transformation. His body was glorified, but the scars remained as a testimony to His sacrifice.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the reality of the bodily resurrection, which is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Jesus didn’t rise as a spirit or ghost—He was physically raised, and His body bore the marks of His crucifixion. This is important because it confirms that His victory over death was complete, affecting both body and soul.
The fact that Jesus retained His scars after the resurrection also has deep significance. It shows that His sacrifice wasn’t erased—it was fulfilled. His wounds, now glorified, serve as a permanent reminder of the price He paid to redeem humanity. This has implications for believers’ understanding of their own future resurrection. Just as Jesus was raised bodily, Christians can look forward to being raised with glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Additionally, Jesus’ willingness to show His wounds reveals His understanding of human doubt. He doesn’t demand blind faith; instead, He meets the disciples where they are, providing the evidence they need to believe. This demonstrates that God is patient with those who struggle to understand His work.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s account uses vivid imagery to convey the physical reality of the resurrection. By including the detail of Jesus showing His hands and feet, Luke emphasizes that the resurrection wasn’t a mystical experience or vision—it was a tangible event. The hands and feet, where the nails had pierced Him, are symbolic of His suffering but now also of His victory.
The progression of the narrative—from fear and doubt to recognition and belief—mirrors the journey of faith. The disciples move from confusion to understanding as they encounter the risen Christ and see the physical evidence of His resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:27 – Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, addressing his doubts and leading him to faith.
- Isaiah 53:5 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who would be pierced for humanity’s transgressions.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul explains the nature of the resurrection body, which is raised in glory and power.
- Revelation 5:6 – Jesus is depicted as the Lamb who was slain, still bearing the marks of His sacrifice in heaven.
- Philippians 3:21 – Jesus will transform believers’ bodies to be like His glorified body.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that faith is rooted in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The wounds in His hands and feet are proof that His death wasn’t the end—it was the means through which salvation was achieved. His resurrection provides hope, not just for spiritual renewal but for the future resurrection of believers.
This verse also speaks to those who struggle with doubt. Just as Jesus showed His wounds to the disciples to reassure them, He meets believers in their doubts and provides the reassurance they need. Faith is not about ignoring questions—it’s about seeking answers in Jesus, who is willing to provide them.
Additionally, the fact that Jesus’ scars remained after His resurrection reminds believers that their own scars—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can be part of their testimony. God can take the wounds of the past and turn them into a testimony of His grace and redemption.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way Jesus patiently addresses the disciples’ fears and doubts. He doesn’t scold them for their lack of faith—He meets them with understanding and provides the evidence they need to believe. This reflects God’s compassionate nature. He knows human weakness and lovingly meets His people where they are, guiding them toward faith.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that Jesus’ wounds remained as a permanent sign of His sacrifice. His love for humanity is displayed in His willingness to suffer and die, and the scars are a reminder that His love endures forever. Even in His glorified body, Jesus carries the marks of His love for His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus as the risen Savior who has conquered death. His hands and feet, which bore the wounds of the cross, are now signs of victory. The resurrection wasn’t just a reversal of death—it was a transformation, showing that Jesus’ sacrifice had accomplished its purpose. The wounds are a reminder of what He endured to bring salvation to the world.
The connection between Jesus’ suffering and His glorified state points to His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His resurrection confirms that His sacrifice was accepted by God and that He has the power to give eternal life to those who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus chose to show His hands and feet to the disciples as proof of His resurrection?
- How does the physical nature of Jesus’ resurrection strengthen your faith in God’s promises?
- Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? How can Jesus’ response to the disciples encourage you to seek Him for reassurance?
- What do Jesus’ scars teach you about the relationship between suffering and victory in the Christian life?
- How can you use your own past wounds or experiences to share the message of God’s grace and redemption with others?