‏ Luke 24

The Resurrection

This section tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection. The exact way Jesus’ body and soul came back together is a mystery, but there is strong evidence that he truly rose from the dead. These verses give us some of the “infallible proofs” that Jesus is the Son of God, just as he said. The story is similar to what we read in Matthew and Mark.

v. 1: Early in the morning, after the Sabbath, a group of women came to Jesus’ tomb with spices they had prepared. They wanted to honor Jesus by anointing his body, just as people sometimes put flowers on graves today. These women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others. They showed their love and respect for Jesus, not worrying about the cost or effort (2 Corinthians 9:7 ^a). Their devotion encouraged others to follow and seek Jesus too (John 12:24,32; Song of Solomon 6:1 ^b).

v. 2-3: When the women arrived, they found the stone rolled away from the entrance. The tomb was empty—Jesus’ body was gone. They were confused and worried, not realizing this was good news. Sometimes, believers become troubled by things that are actually blessings from God.

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v. 4-7: Suddenly, two angels in shining clothes appeared. The women were frightened and bowed down. The angels asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5 ^c). Jesus is alive! The angels reminded the women that Jesus had told them he would be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and rise again on the third day (Luke 24:6-7 ^d). The angels did not give a new message but pointed the women back to Jesus’ own words. This shows that remembering what Jesus has said can help us understand God’s plans.

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v. 8: The women remembered Jesus’ words. When they thought about what he had told them, it all made sense. They realized they should have expected him to rise again. A timely reminder of Jesus’ words can help us understand what is happening in our lives.

v. 9-11: The women hurried back to tell the apostles and other followers what they had seen and heard. But when the apostles heard the story, they did not believe it. They thought it sounded like nonsense. They had forgotten what Jesus had promised about his resurrection (John 16:22; Isaiah 53:1 ^e). Even though they had seen Jesus do miracles, they were slow to believe he had risen.

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v. 12: Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying by themselves, but Jesus’ body was gone. Peter was amazed and confused, not sure what to think. If he had remembered Jesus’ words, he would have understood what had happened. Many things that puzzle us would be clearer if we remembered what Jesus has said.

The Disciples Going to Emmaus

This section describes the journey of two disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus on the day of Jesus’s resurrection. As they walked, they talked about everything that had happened. Jesus himself joined them, though they didn’t recognize him at first. Through their conversation and a meal together, Jesus revealed the true meaning of recent events and showed them that he had truly risen from the dead.

v. 13–14: On the same day that Jesus rose from the dead, two disciples were traveling from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. As they walked, they discussed all that had happened—the arrest, crucifixion, and reported resurrection of Jesus. They were trying to make sense of confusing and sad events.

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v. 15–16: While they were talking and reasoning together, Jesus himself came near and began to walk with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. Sometimes, even when Jesus is close to us, we do not realize it right away, especially when we are discouraged or confused.

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v. 17–18: Jesus asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk, and why are you sad?” One of them, named Cleopas, replied, surprised that Jesus seemed unaware of what had happened in Jerusalem. He asked if Jesus was a stranger who did not know about the recent events.

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v. 19–21: Jesus asked, “What things?” They explained about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. They shared how the chief priests and rulers handed him over to be condemned and crucified. They confessed their disappointment, saying they had hoped he would redeem Israel. Now, it was the third day since those things happened, and their hope seemed lost.

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v. 22–24: The disciples continued, explaining that some women from their group amazed them by saying they had seen a vision of angels who said Jesus was alive. Others went to the tomb and found it empty, but did not see Jesus. They were confused and unsure what to believe.

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v. 25–27: Jesus gently rebuked them for being slow to believe what the prophets had spoken. He explained that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and then enter his glory. Starting with Moses and all the prophets, he explained how the Scriptures pointed to himself. This shows us that understanding the Bible helps us see God’s plan, even when life is hard.

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v. 28–29: As they approached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he was going farther, but the disciples urged him to stay with them since it was getting late. He accepted their invitation, showing that Jesus responds when we invite him into our lives.

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v. 30–31: While they were at the table, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he disappeared from their sight. Jesus often reveals himself through ordinary things, like sharing a meal or reading Scripture together.

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v. 32: The disciples said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” When Jesus teaches us, we can feel his presence bringing warmth, understanding, and hope.

v. 33–35: Immediately, they returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven disciples and others gathered. The group was discussing that the Lord had truly risen and appeared to Simon Peter. The two travelers then shared what had happened on the road and how they recognized Jesus when he broke the bread. This shows the importance of sharing our experiences of faith with others for encouragement.

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Christ’s Interview with the Apostles

This section describes one of Jesus’s appearances to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were gathered together, uncertain and afraid, discussing the reports that Jesus had risen. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them, offering peace, convincing them it was truly him by showing his wounds and eating in their presence, and giving them important instructions for their future ministry.

v. 36–37: As the disciples were talking about the reports of Jesus being alive, Jesus himself suddenly appeared in their midst and greeted them with, “Peace be unto you.” The disciples were startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost or spirit. This shows that even Jesus’s closest friends struggled to believe at first, and that his resurrection was completely unexpected (John 20:19 ^f).

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v. 38–40: Jesus gently rebuked them for being troubled and having doubts, and then invited them to look at his hands and feet, where the wounds from the cross could be seen. He told them to touch him and see that he had “flesh and bones”—proving he was not just a spirit or apparition. By showing them his wounds, Jesus proved that he was the same person who had been crucified and now was truly alive (John 20:27 ^g).

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v. 41–43: Even as they were filled with joy and amazement, the disciples still found it hard to believe. To further convince them, Jesus asked if they had any food, and he ate a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb in front of them. This act showed that he had a real, physical body after the resurrection, not just a spirit. Jesus wanted them to be sure that he had truly risen.

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v. 44–45: Jesus reminded them that everything had happened just as he had told them and as it was written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (the whole Old Testament). He helped them understand the Scriptures, showing that all of these writings pointed to him. Without Jesus’ help, they could not fully understand how the Bible was fulfilled in him.

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v. 46–47: Jesus explained that it was necessary for the Christ (Messiah) to suffer, die, and rise from the dead on the third day. He told them that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. The message of the gospel—turning from sin and receiving God’s forgiveness—was now to be shared with the whole world (Acts 2:38 ^h).

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v. 48–49: Jesus told his disciples that they were witnesses of these things—they had seen his life, death, and resurrection. He promised to send the “promise of my Father” (the Holy Spirit) to empower them for their mission. He instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until they received this “power from on high,” which would give them courage and ability to tell others about him (Acts 1:8 ⁱ).

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Christ's Ascension

This section describes how Jesus left his disciples and returned to heaven. Luke does not mention Jesus’ meeting with the disciples in Galilee, but instead focuses on what Jesus said and did at his final appearance. The story here gives us a simple but powerful picture of Jesus’ ascension and how it affected his followers.

v. 50: Jesus led his disciples out of Jerusalem to Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. This was the place where he had often served God and where his suffering had begun in the garden. It was fitting that he would enter his glory from a place called "house of sorrow." The Mount of Olives had been chosen long before as the place for the Messiah’s special work (Zechariah 14:4 ^j). Jesus wanted his closest followers to witness his ascension, so he brought them out to see it with their own eyes.

v. 51: While Jesus was blessing his disciples, he was taken up from them and carried into heaven. He lifted his hands like a priest and spoke a blessing over them. This showed his love and authority, and that he was not leaving in anger but in peace. His blessing did not end when he left; it continues even now as he prays for us in heaven. Jesus left them in a physical way, but his spiritual blessing remains with all believers.

v. 52: The disciples worshipped Jesus as he left them (Luke 24:52 ^k). They honored him as their Lord, even though he was going to heaven. Their worship showed they were loyal and would continue to serve him. The cloud that took Jesus away did not stop him from seeing their praise. After worshipping, they returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy, even though it was a dangerous place for them. Their sadness turned to joy because they understood Jesus had to go to heaven to send the Holy Spirit and help the church.

v. 53: The disciples spent their time in the temple, always praising and blessing God (Luke 24:53 ^l). While they waited for the Holy Spirit, they joined in prayer and worship. They knew temple sacrifices were no longer needed because of Jesus, but they continued with songs and prayers. Praising God helped prepare their hearts for what God would do next. Joy and worship replaced their fears and sadness as they looked forward to God’s promises.

The word amen at the end is a way for the whole church and every believer to agree with the story and join in praising God. Amen. May God always be praised and blessed!