Book of Luke - Chapter 24 - Verse 39
Meaning
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples after his resurrection, he was providing them with tangible proof of his physical existence. By inviting them to touch his hands and feet and see that he had flesh and bones, he was dispelling any doubt they may have had about the reality of his resurrection. Jesus was emphasizing that he was not a mere spirit or apparition, but a living being with a physical form. This moment was significant in reaffirming the disciples' faith and reinforcing the reality of Jesus' victory over death. It also served as a reminder that Jesus had overcome the grave and had the power to transform even the most dire and hopeless situation into one of triumph and life. By encouraging his disciples to handle him and see for themselves, Jesus was ensuring that they understood the full extent of his resurrection and the fulfillment of the promises he had made to them.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is theological significance in Jesus' invitation for his disciples to touch his hands and feet, demonstrating that he has been resurrected with a physical, glorified body. By emphasizing the physicality of his resurrection, Jesus dispels any doubts that he is merely a spirit or apparition. The imagery of Jesus showing his wounds to his disciples alludes to his identity as the sacrificial Lamb of God who was crucified for the sins of humanity and subsequently rose from the dead, victorious over death and sin. The phrase "flesh and bones" used here also highlights the tangible reality of Jesus' resurrected body, contrasting it with the nature of spirits or ghosts. Through this interaction, Jesus offers undeniable proof of his resurrection, inviting his disciples to witness and affirm the reality of his triumph over death.