Is There Anything Here to Eat?

Late resurrection Sunday, the two fellows from the Emmaus road come rushing back to town to tell the others they have seen Jesus alive. Let’s pick up the story there:

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24:36–43)

This a very funny moment. The pair from the Emmaus road are in the middle of telling their incredible story when Jesus just appears in the room, as if to illustrate everything they’ve said. Yep, that was me. Yep, I did it just like that. Suddenly he’s just standing there and all he says is, “Peace be with you.” Here the most fantastic thing in the world is happening before their eyes, and all Jesus says is “Hi?!” His understatement is very, very funny. The disciples are stupefied, dumbfounded; they don’t believe that he is real. “Look at my hands and feet.” He is clearly showing them the holes the nails pierced. They still think he’s a ghost. Finally he asks, “Is there anything here to eat?” like a neighbor dropping by for some chips. He chews it carefully in front of them, swallows it, and waits a few seconds for everyone to digest the lesson. You have got to love this moment. And the point he’s making. Jesus raised is still Jesus, a man — flesh and bones and all. Be gone, religious fog.

Jesus was more human than humanity. His was the most human face of all. This is going to open up wonders for you.

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