Luke 24:36-53

“But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit” (v37).  While many religions believe in the post-death existence of the human spirit, Jesus’ resurrection was unique because it included his bodily renewal.  Very deliberately, he ate fish in front of the disciples to show that his victory over death wasn’t just “spiritual” (v43). In fact, he said, “Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have" (v39).

“You are witnesses of these things” (v48).  The disciples were witnesses of the good news: through Jesus, we can repent and be forgiven of sins, and through Jesus, God’s good gift of our bodily existence will be renewed.