Luke 24:37-38

Jesus’ sudden and unexpected appearance terrified the disciples (cf. Luke 1:12). They apparently thought that Jesus was an apparition (Gr. pneuma, a person lacking corporeal existence), not an angel, since He appeared as He did (cf. Luke 24:39; Acts 23:8-9). Jesus’ questions implied that they should have recognized that it was He. Since they had questions and doubted the reality of His presence it is unlikely that they projected their hope that He was alive and only imagined that He arose.