Where Did Jesus Die? — Page 81
Chapter Seven—Did Jesus Ascend to Heaven? 81 The Sudden Appearance. . . when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst. . . 1 This statement also does not show that he rose with an astral body. The various authors in their commentary on verse 39, chapter 24, of Luke say: ‘How a body, having flesh and bones, could pass into a room with closed doors, we know not. ’ In my opinion the passage does not show that Jesus’ appear- ance was an extraordinary one, a miracle, that he was not with his mortal body. By showing his hands and side to his disciples 2 , he himself confirmed that he was in earthly mould, and they were glad to see him. This passage only reveals the fact that Jesus came to his disciples where they were assembled ‘for fear of the Jews’, probably in a dark, gloomy, mud-built cottage. Most probably Jesus entered that place at the same time as they. It is not incred- ible also that their host (as they were stranger in Jerusalem) or Essene friends of Jesus led him to the place from a secret door, for the place had many doors. Luke relating this event, has omit- ted the mention of the doors, which clearly shows that it is not an important part of the event. Otherwise, their supposition that they saw a spirit was too well founded; but Jesus himself denied and proved its falseness by showing his hands and side and by his 1. John 20:19 2. John 20:27