Does Jesus still have a physical body?
Jesus has a physical body in heaven, but it is different than the bodies we have now on earth.It is important that we understand that Jesus was born a human, had a human body like ours, and was killed. He was buried and then, three days later, physically rose from the dead. Many people saw Him alive—more than 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:3–6).
Soon after His resurrection two of Jesus' disciples were walking to a little town called Emmaus, a man walked with them and talked with them at length. It was when the three were having a meal together later that the disciples were able to see that the third man was Jesus (Luke 24:13–35). It was not that Jesus was unrecognizable, but that the disciples' eyes were supernaturally blinded to see who Jesus was.
Jesus told His disciples that He was not spirit, but physical, inviting them to touch His hands and feet (Luke 24:39–40). He also ate with them (Luke 24:41–43).
Another time, Thomas was invited to put his hand in Jesus' wound on his side—this was after Jesus rose from the dead. John 20:26–28 says, "Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'"
Because Jesus had a body when He resurrected, so will Christians when they are resurrected (John 5:21, 28; Romans 8:23). But, just as Jesus' body is physical yet glorified, our resurrection bodies will be somewhat different than the ones we have now. Our bodies now are suited to our earthly lives. Our heavenly bodies will be suited to heaven.
Paul describes our future, new, physical bodies. He writes, "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. … Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust [Adam], we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:35–49).
Paul tells the Philippians that Jesus "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:21).
Why is the reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus so central to the Christian faith?
Why didn't people always recognize the resurrected Jesus?
Why is the ascension of Jesus Christ important?
Is Jesus in heaven? Where is Jesus now?
When will the various resurrections described in the Bible happen?
Truth about Jesus Christ
