Luke 24:40

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.

And {G2532} when he had thus {G5124} spoken {G2036}, he shewed {G1925} them {G846} his hands {G5495} and {G2532} his feet {G4228}.

As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

Commentary

Luke 24:40 describes a pivotal moment following Jesus Christ's resurrection, where He provides irrefutable proof of His physical return to His astonished disciples.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' unexpected appearance to His disciples, who were gathered in Jerusalem, discussing the news of the empty tomb and the Emmaus road encounter. When Jesus suddenly stood among them, their initial reaction was fear and disbelief; they thought they were seeing a spirit (Luke 24:37). To calm their fears and confirm His identity, Jesus asks why they are troubled and invites them to touch Him, stating that a spirit does not have flesh and bones as He clearly does (Luke 24:39).

Key Themes

  • Physical Resurrection: The act of showing His hands and feet was crucial evidence that Jesus' resurrection was not merely spiritual or metaphorical, but a bodily, physical return. This countered any notion that He was a phantom or ghost.
  • Proof of Identity: The wounds from the crucifixion served as undeniable marks of identification. These were the very hands and feet that had been nailed to the cross, proving He was indeed the same Jesus who had been crucified and buried.
  • Overcoming Disbelief: This tangible proof was essential for the disciples to move from doubt and fear to faith and understanding, preparing them for their mission as witnesses of His resurrection (Luke 24:48).

Significance of the Wounds

The specific mention of Jesus showing His hands and feet directly points to the manner of His crucifixion. In ancient crucifixion practices, nails or spikes were driven through these very extremities to affix the victim to the cross. These visible wounds served as direct, tangible links between the suffering Savior on the cross and the triumphant, resurrected Lord. This detail is echoed in other accounts, such as John 20:20, where Jesus shows His hands and side, and later invites Thomas to touch His wounds (John 20:27). The wounds were not merely scars; they were part of His glorified, resurrected body, affirming the continuity of His personhood and the reality of His sacrifice.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 24:40 offers profound assurance. The physical resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14). It validates His claims, confirms His victory over sin and death, and provides the basis for our hope in future resurrection and eternal life. This verse reminds us that our faith is not based on wishful thinking or myth, but on historical events attested by eyewitnesses who encountered the risen Christ, complete with the marks of His sacrifice. It encourages us to boldly proclaim the good news of a living Savior who conquered death and offers new life to all who believe.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.