“Touch me and see” (Luke 24:39).

A number of years ago, there was a very popular sports program on television.  For all I know it may still be on the air. What I do recall however is one regular segment the program contained. It was called, “Up Close and Personal.”  The purpose was to provide viewers with a more personal and intimate portrayal of prominent sports figures. Featured athletes were shown in a light that the typical sports fan would not regularly see. Athletes were shown in their homes, during leisure time, as well as during the difficult and hard preparation that made them successful in sports. The “Up Close and Personal” aspect of the program gave viewers a sense of knowing the athletes in a more intimate manner. After all, it’s one thing to watch an athlete compete and another thing altogether to see them in their homes with their families.
 
It is with that thought in mind that Luke 24:39 caught my attention this past week. Let me set the context for you. The entire chapter deals with the initial events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. According to Luke, Jesus unexpected appearance in the midst of the disciples caused them to be “startled and frightened.” Luke further clarified their response when he said, “They thought they saw a spirit.” They were started, frightened and disbelieving. That’s when Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” His goal was to prove to them the reality of his resurrection and set their fears to rest.

Think with me now. Can you see how that applies to our lives, as well as the world in which we live? I speak to people frequently who know Jesus only from afar. They know his name and they may have some rough idea of what the Bible teaches about him. But they do not know him “Up Close and Personal.” I also interact with Christians who have never come to the point of interacting with Jesus on a deep and personal level. That’s too bad.

If there is one thing that the gospels teach us about Christ it’s this: He wants to be known. He consistently made himself available to his disciples and those who sought him out. He continually interacted with people who wanted to get up close and personal. And further, there were instances when he took the initiative to seek out individuals who might otherwise have been on the fringe of getting close to him.

I think you get my point. Jesus wants to be known, which leads to a simple question. Do you know him, “Up Close and Personal?” Have you touched him and seen him in the way he invited the disciples to do after his resurrection? Jesus said, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your mind? Touch me and see.”