The encounter with the Resurrected: An exegetical analysis of Lc 24,36-49

Abstract

The resurrection of Jesus is the central affirmation of the Christian faith. There are several accounts in the Gospels about the resurrection and appearance of Jesus to different people, as well as in 1Cor 15,3-8. In the story of the resurrection, according to Luke, the appearance of the Resurrected One takes place in the city of Jerusalem itself, on the afternoon of the same day that the empty tomb is discovered. The two disciples who returned from Emmaus, while telling others about their experience, witness with the others the appearance of the Resurrected Jesus to the germinal cell of the Christian community, a domestic church made up of his followers, gathered in an atmosphere of amazement, doubt and disbelief (Luke 24,36-43). Jesus makes himself known, shows his hands and feet with the signs of the crucifixion and asks if they have anything to eat. They offer him a piece of roasted fish; he takes it and eats it before them. Luke is the only evangelist to report that the Resurrected One takes a meal. Again Jesus makes the disciples understand that he fulfills the prophecies. The entirety of Holy Scripture leads to Jesus and the events related to him; then, he sends the disciples on a mission. The testimony and announcement must begin in Jerusalem. Luke’s Gospel converges on Jerusalem, and half of the Gospel narrates the journey there (Luke 9,51–19,47). It is in Jerusalem that Jesus gives his testimony and it is there that the disciples’ testimony ...