We are starting the week in the Word with a meditation on Luke 24:36-43, the start of the Gospel for next week in LCMS churches.
[36] As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” [37] But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. [38] And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? [39] 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.” [40] And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. [41] And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate before them.
There are a handful of “truisms” that are shared from generation to generation. One is this: If something is too good to be true, then it’s probably not true. I can see where some people might wonder if this truism applies to Jesus’ resurrection.
Consider all the evidence that Jesus did, in fact, die. Proof is seen in the flow of blood and water from Jesus’ side when his body was lanced on the cross. Then his lifeless body was carried to a tomb. The women went to anoint Jesus’ body after the Sabbath Day because Jesus was dead.
Suddenly, it is announced that Jesus again lives! This resurrection is absolutely a miracle. Was this resurrection too good to be true? The result of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the forgiveness of sins for the world. Is this act of grace too good to be true?
I think this truism is one reason Jesus went to such lengths to prove that he indeed was again alive. Jesus encourages the disciples to touch his body. In his own words, “a spirit does have not flesh and bones that I have.” Jesus then doubles down to prove that he is alive, eating a piece of broiled fish before them.
Jesus wasn’t only providing proof for those who had walked the dusty roads of Israel with him. He was providing this proof of life for us. He was reassuring us that his resurrection was not too good to be true. That our salvation both here and through eternity is not too good to be true. It is all true.
Kevin Wilson 360 