Luke 24: The Resurrection and Its Significance
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
And they remembered his words,
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Luke 24 recounts the pivotal events following Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus' appearances to His followers, and the profound implications of His resurrection. This chapter serves as a bridge between Jesus' earthly ministry and the birth of the early church, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the commissioning of believers to spread the Good News. Understanding Luke 24 is crucial for grasping the core of Christian faith and its transformative power.
The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
On the first day of the week, Sunday, at early dawn, women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, arrived at the tomb, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body (Luke 24:1, 10). To their shock, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:2-3). This discovery is presented with a mirrored structure, or chiasm, emphasizing its importance: the women find the empty tomb, angels announce Jesus' resurrection, the women remember Jesus' promises, the women report the resurrection, and Peter verifies the empty tomb.
While puzzled, two angels appeared to them in dazzling clothes, asking the pivotal question: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:4-5). The angels reminded them of Jesus' predictions that He would be crucified and rise on the third day (Luke 24:6-7; see Luke 9:21-22; Luke 18:31-33). This heavenly reminder helped the women recall Jesus' words (Luke 24:8).
The women hurried back to the eleven apostles and others, sharing the incredible news (Luke 24:9). However, their testimony was initially met with disbelief (Luke 24:11). Yet, Peter, intrigued, ran to the tomb himself. Finding it empty except for the linen cloths, he was amazed and pondered what had happened (Luke 24:12). Women played a prominent role in Jesus’s ministry, supporting him from their own possessions (Luke 8:1-3), so they were given the privilege of being the first to learn of the resurrection and to communicate it.
The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
Luke then shifts to another resurrection appearance, this time featuring two disciples traveling to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13). One of them was named Cleopas (Luke 24:18). As they discussed the events of the past weekend, Jesus Himself joined them on their journey (Luke 24:14-15). However, they were prevented from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16), their unbelief blinding them to His presence.
Jesus inquired about their conversation, and they stopped, looking dejected (Luke 24:17). Cleopas expressed astonishment that anyone in Jerusalem could be unaware of the recent events surrounding Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet condemned to death by the chief priests and leaders (Luke 24:18-20). They confessed their shattered hopes that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21), implying their expectation of political liberation from Roman rule.
They also shared the women's report of the empty tomb and the angelic vision, but admitted their confusion and uncertainty (Luke 24:22-24). How wonderful that the one they couldn’t find was walking alongside them. “They were prevented from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16) because of their disheartening circumstances.
Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding and their slowness to believe all that the prophets had spoken (Luke 24:25). He then proceeded to explain how the Messiah's suffering and subsequent glory were foretold throughout the Old Testament (Luke 24:26). Jesus, beginning with Moses and the Prophets, interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Similarly, whether we’re reading about Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, or Isaiah, we must always be looking for Jesus in the Old Testament Scriptures because they were written with him in mind. As the saying goes, Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed but in the New Testament revealed.
As they approached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He were going further, but they urged Him to stay with them (Luke 24:28-29). While at the table, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30). At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight (Luke 24:31). Their hearts had been burning within them as He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:32). But it was during the breaking of the bread—when they saw the nail prints in his hands—that they realized who he was (Luke 24:35). The purpose of the written Word is always to lead us to an experience with the living Word.
Filled with joy and excitement, they immediately returned to Jerusalem, making the seven-mile journey in reverse, and shared their encounter with the Eleven. They learned that Jesus had also appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:33-35).
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (Luke 24:36-49)
While the disciples were sharing their resurrection stories, Jesus Himself stood in their midst, greeting them with "Peace be with you" (Luke 24:36). Initially, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost (Luke 24:37).
Jesus reassured them that He was not a spirit, inviting them to touch Him and see that He had flesh and bones (Luke 24:38-39). He showed them His hands and feet, bearing the marks of the nails (Luke 24:40). To further prove His physical reality, He ate a piece of broiled fish in their presence (Luke 24:41-43).
Then he reminded them of what he had told them—that everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (i.e., the Old Testament) had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). He had taught them previously, but at this point he opened their minds so that they could fully understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). He connected the events they had witnessed to the prophecies of the Old Testament, demonstrating how He fulfilled God's plan (Luke 24:44-47).
Jesus commissioned them to be witnesses of these things, proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47-48). This gospel was what the apostles preached and is what the New Testament declares. He promised to send them the Holy Spirit, empowering them for their mission (Luke 24:49).
The Ascension (Luke 24:50-53)
Jesus led the disciples to Bethany, near Jerusalem. As He blessed them, He ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-51). After worshiping Christ, they went back to Jerusalem, filled with joy, and continually went to the temple praising God (Luke 24:52-53). Worship, joy, praise—that’s where our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ should lead us.
Thus ends the first part of Luke’s two-part narrative (see Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). The stage is set for its sequel, the book of Acts.
Key Takeaways from Luke 24
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Luke 24 emphasizes how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, solidifying His identity as the Messiah.
- The Reality of the Resurrection: The chapter provides multiple accounts of Jesus' resurrection appearances, confirming its historical reality and its central importance to Christian faith.
- Commission to Witness: The resurrected Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses of His resurrection, spreading the Good News to all nations.
- The Importance of Scripture: Jesus opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of studying and interpreting the Bible in light of Christ.
- Joyful Worship: The disciples responded to Jesus' ascension with joyful worship, demonstrating the appropriate response to the risen Lord.
Luke 24 is a powerful chapter that celebrates the victory of life over death, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the commission to share the Good News with the world. It calls believers to embrace the truth of the resurrection and live lives of joyful worship and faithful witness.
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
And they remembered his words,
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Luke 24 recounts the pivotal events following Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus' appearances to His followers, and the profound implications of His resurrection. This chapter serves as a bridge between Jesus' earthly ministry and the birth of the early church, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the commissioning of believers to spread the Good News. Understanding Luke 24 is crucial for grasping the core of Christian faith and its transformative power.
The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
On the first day of the week, Sunday, at early dawn, women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, arrived at the tomb, bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body (Luke 24:1, 10). To their shock, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:2-3). This discovery is presented with a mirrored structure, or chiasm, emphasizing its importance: the women find the empty tomb, angels announce Jesus' resurrection, the women remember Jesus' promises, the women report the resurrection, and Peter verifies the empty tomb.
While puzzled, two angels appeared to them in dazzling clothes, asking the pivotal question: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:4-5). The angels reminded them of Jesus' predictions that He would be crucified and rise on the third day (Luke 24:6-7; see Luke 9:21-22; Luke 18:31-33). This heavenly reminder helped the women recall Jesus' words (Luke 24:8).
The women hurried back to the eleven apostles and others, sharing the incredible news (Luke 24:9). However, their testimony was initially met with disbelief (Luke 24:11). Yet, Peter, intrigued, ran to the tomb himself. Finding it empty except for the linen cloths, he was amazed and pondered what had happened (Luke 24:12). Women played a prominent role in Jesus’s ministry, supporting him from their own possessions (Luke 8:1-3), so they were given the privilege of being the first to learn of the resurrection and to communicate it.
The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
Luke then shifts to another resurrection appearance, this time featuring two disciples traveling to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13). One of them was named Cleopas (Luke 24:18). As they discussed the events of the past weekend, Jesus Himself joined them on their journey (Luke 24:14-15). However, they were prevented from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16), their unbelief blinding them to His presence.
Jesus inquired about their conversation, and they stopped, looking dejected (Luke 24:17). Cleopas expressed astonishment that anyone in Jerusalem could be unaware of the recent events surrounding Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet condemned to death by the chief priests and leaders (Luke 24:18-20). They confessed their shattered hopes that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21), implying their expectation of political liberation from Roman rule.
They also shared the women's report of the empty tomb and the angelic vision, but admitted their confusion and uncertainty (Luke 24:22-24). How wonderful that the one they couldn’t find was walking alongside them. “They were prevented from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16) because of their disheartening circumstances.
Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding and their slowness to believe all that the prophets had spoken (Luke 24:25). He then proceeded to explain how the Messiah's suffering and subsequent glory were foretold throughout the Old Testament (Luke 24:26). Jesus, beginning with Moses and the Prophets, interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Similarly, whether we’re reading about Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, or Isaiah, we must always be looking for Jesus in the Old Testament Scriptures because they were written with him in mind. As the saying goes, Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed but in the New Testament revealed.
As they approached Emmaus, Jesus acted as if He were going further, but they urged Him to stay with them (Luke 24:28-29). While at the table, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30). At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight (Luke 24:31). Their hearts had been burning within them as He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:32). But it was during the breaking of the bread—when they saw the nail prints in his hands—that they realized who he was (Luke 24:35). The purpose of the written Word is always to lead us to an experience with the living Word.
Filled with joy and excitement, they immediately returned to Jerusalem, making the seven-mile journey in reverse, and shared their encounter with the Eleven. They learned that Jesus had also appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:33-35).
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (Luke 24:36-49)
While the disciples were sharing their resurrection stories, Jesus Himself stood in their midst, greeting them with "Peace be with you" (Luke 24:36). Initially, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost (Luke 24:37).
Jesus reassured them that He was not a spirit, inviting them to touch Him and see that He had flesh and bones (Luke 24:38-39). He showed them His hands and feet, bearing the marks of the nails (Luke 24:40). To further prove His physical reality, He ate a piece of broiled fish in their presence (Luke 24:41-43).
Then he reminded them of what he had told them—that everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (i.e., the Old Testament) had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). He had taught them previously, but at this point he opened their minds so that they could fully understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). He connected the events they had witnessed to the prophecies of the Old Testament, demonstrating how He fulfilled God's plan (Luke 24:44-47).
Jesus commissioned them to be witnesses of these things, proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47-48). This gospel was what the apostles preached and is what the New Testament declares. He promised to send them the Holy Spirit, empowering them for their mission (Luke 24:49).
The Ascension (Luke 24:50-53)
Jesus led the disciples to Bethany, near Jerusalem. As He blessed them, He ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-51). After worshiping Christ, they went back to Jerusalem, filled with joy, and continually went to the temple praising God (Luke 24:52-53). Worship, joy, praise—that’s where our faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ should lead us.
Thus ends the first part of Luke’s two-part narrative (see Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). The stage is set for its sequel, the book of Acts.
Key Takeaways from Luke 24
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Luke 24 emphasizes how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, solidifying His identity as the Messiah.
- The Reality of the Resurrection: The chapter provides multiple accounts of Jesus' resurrection appearances, confirming its historical reality and its central importance to Christian faith.
- Commission to Witness: The resurrected Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses of His resurrection, spreading the Good News to all nations.
- The Importance of Scripture: Jesus opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of studying and interpreting the Bible in light of Christ.
- Joyful Worship: The disciples responded to Jesus' ascension with joyful worship, demonstrating the appropriate response to the risen Lord.
Luke 24 is a powerful chapter that celebrates the victory of life over death, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the commission to share the Good News with the world. It calls believers to embrace the truth of the resurrection and live lives of joyful worship and faithful witness.