36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

38 “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 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.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tim Mitry

Just yesterday I was reflecting on how much I am looking forward to seeing Jesus – the image of the invisible God – in the flesh. And now today, reading this account from Luke, I again feel excited. A part of me wishes I got to see Jesus in person when he walked this earth, to enjoy and experience His physical presence with me. I do remind myself that I have access to Christ by God’s Holy Spirit living in me, but I also look forward to the consummation of God's plan, when we will bodily live and relate to our Triune God in the New Creation.

Because our Lord was resurrected with a redeemed and glorified body, I am even more joyful, since I know that I will be raised in the same kind of body fit for eternity (Philippians 3:20-21). This is a profound validation of our bodily existence, because it means that my whole being – my body, my human nature, my senses, all perfected – will share in life and communion with Jesus eternally. This is a deep way of “being known,” which uplifts my heart as I remember the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.

So even though I'm not sharing the "joy and amazement" of the disciples with my eyes (yet!), by hearing their testimony I can have the same response to our resurrected Lord, and I can unceasingly repeat the words: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.