Not a Ghost!

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. Luke 24:26-43

Jesus’ disciples had a strange reaction to seeing him alive again—or maybe not so strange, except in the American culture. They thought he was a ghost, and they were terrified! Right away Jesus took steps to calm them down. He let them see and touch him, and he ate in front of them. After he did that, they were able to see the truth and rejoice.

Worries about ghosts and spirits are common among people who move to the United States. They may have grown up believing in powers that may harm them if they don’t do all the right rituals. This leads to a kind of slavery, where you have to do this or you can’t do that because it might bring bad luck to your family. What a comfort it is when they learn that Jesus loves them and has the power to protect them from every evil spirit!

He can do this because he himself is God over all, creator of everything in heaven and earth. Through his suffering and death, he took away the power of the devil over us; and through his resurrection, he gave us the sure promise of everlasting life with him forever. Now we don’t need to be afraid of lesser powers of any kind. Jesus will protect and care for us forever—not as a ghost, but as God and Savior for all of us. Pass this good news along!

By Dr. Kari Vo