Luke 24:36-43 (ESV)

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

They disbelieved for joy? What does that mean? The Greek word translated as “for” is “apo” and can mean “from” or “because of.” In other words, their joy is causing them to disbelieve. This sounds crazy but the idea is that they’re so excited they can’t think straight – and definitely not deeply. Thus, their understanding is shallow and confused.

The enormity of what has happened is still beyond the disciples’ comprehension. They use all the right words (“The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” – Luke 24:34). But with Jesus popping in and out unexpectedly, they just thought they saw a spirit.

So, Jesus has to teach them what “risen” means. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

But even after explaining this and even after he showed them his hands and his feet, they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling. Logic isn’t working with this crowd. He needs a simpler demonstration.

So, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Now they get it.

Remember, this emotional roller-coaster has a purpose – their depression, followed by giddy confusion, followed by seeing undeniable proof. The truth will be seared into their memories. This will give them spines of steel.

Nothing less would get them through what’s coming next.

They will soon learn that they live under a government that is willing to use torture to try to coerce Christians to recant. Praise God that we do not.

Despite our great blessings, the land of the free and the home of the brave will always need our prayers. Our history has been an uninterrupted series of great trials and narrow escapes.

Give thanks for our great nation and ask God to continue to bless it. Also, lift up your state government and its officials.

They need your prayers too.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies