The last instalment looked at how Jesus’ resurrection shapes our thinking on sin and death. This instalment discusses the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Now the first thing to affirm is that Jesus’ resurrection really was bodily. Thomas was able to observe and touch Jesus’ hands and side (Jn. 20:27). Jesus himself declared that he was ‘flesh and bones’ and not some ghost (Luke 24:39). Jesus was even able to eat (Luke 24:43). And lets not forget that the tomb itself was empty.
In a world that has always been sceptical about the resurrection this great truth must continue to be proclaimed. The temptation to alter what the Scriptures say must be resisted just as strongly. And so even though most find it absurd to think that Jesus rose from his tomb (let alone that every dead corpse will one day rise!), attempts to make the message more palatable should be rejected — Jesus rose bodily!
Having said this, the focus in what follows will not be on the reality of the bodily resurrection (this is taken as given), but rather on its significance. Again, as in the previous instalment, amongst the many aspects that could be explored, two will receive consideration: Jesus’ bodily resurrection in relation to our own bodily resurrection, and Jesus’ bodily resurrection in relation to creation. Keep reading
See also
Easter: It really happened! But so what?
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