“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 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.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.” Luke 24.36-43
The disciples were freaking out. I imagine I would be too if someone I thought was dead suddenly stood before me.
This was not the first evidence that Jesus had risen. We read previously that the women and Peter went to the tomb, Jesus appeared to the disciples in Emmaus, and now he “stood among” the disciples.
When he showed up he said, “Peace be with you.” Maybe in today’s vernacular, “What’s up, my brothers!” Or in a Texas twang, “Howdy, friends!” He used a greeting they knew, and they were shocked to see him—full of “joy and amazement”—yet many still did not believe. So Jesus offers proof: “Touch me and see…” and “Do you have anything here to eat?” I wonder if the whole “pinch me so I know it’s real” idea could have applied to this encounter!
Jesus was alive! He was in the room, talking, in flesh and blood, and eating broiled fish. And everyone stood around with mouths agape! The best news in history was about to be released: Jesus, who claimed to be God’s Son, Messiah, and Savior, had just proved the world wrong. He overcame death, rose from the grave, and defeated sin on the cross. And now he was living in his resurrected body, proving to his followers—and later to the world—that he was alive.
The implications of Jesus’ appearance impact my life today, and not just a little. I am transformed because of his love for me. My life is one hundred percent changed. Since I met Christ forty years ago, I have been changed from the inside out. I am no longer living for myself or for sin; I am now a child of God. Because Christ rose, I am set free to live into the purpose for which God has created me—to honor him, praise him, and glorify him with my life.
The proof that Christ arose is not only that he showed up in the upper room in Jerusalem three days after his death; it is also revealed in the lives of those who claim him as Lord. We are living testimonies of a God who lives for eternity and enables those who believe to do the same.
So, be living proof that Christ is alive. Let your life reflect his grace and glory so that the world might know.
“O Lord God, you are good and gracious. You are a God who fulfills your promises. Even when we turn away, your love does not fail. You call us back to encounter you with love and grace. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for the proof of the resurrection and for calling us to abundance and eternal life. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.