Luke 24: Resurrection, Revelation, and Ascension

Luke 24 is a powerful chapter that recounts the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his appearances to his disciples. It’s a pivotal moment in the Bible, as it confirms Jesus’ victory over death and his divine nature.

The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who followed Jesus. They’re perplexed and afraid, but angels appear to them and announce that Jesus has risen, just as he promised.

Later, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining how the Scriptures foretold his death and resurrection. He then appears to the eleven disciples, proving he’s alive and commissioning them to spread the gospel to all nations.

The Resurrection of Jesus Discovered

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Luke 24 provides a detailed account of this miraculous event, starting with the women’s discovery of the empty tomb.

Women Find the Empty Tomb

Early on the first day of the week, the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee went to the tomb with spices to anoint his body. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Luke states, “But when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:3 NKJV).

The women were perplexed by this discovery. They had seen Jesus crucified and buried, so the empty tomb was a shocking revelation.

Angels Announce the Resurrection

As the women pondered the empty tomb, two angels appeared to them in shining garments. The angels said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6 NKJV).

The angels reminded the women of Jesus’ words in Galilee, where he prophesied his death and resurrection. This announcement confirmed that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as he had promised.

The Women Tell the Apostles

After encountering the angels, the women hurried back to tell the eleven apostles and other disciples what they had witnessed. Luke records, “And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest” (Luke 24:8-9 NKJV).

But, the apostles initially doubted the women’s report, considering it an idle tale. They struggled to believe that Jesus had truly risen from the dead.

Peter Sees the Empty Tomb

Even though the apostles’ skepticism, Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself. Luke states, “But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened” (Luke 24:12 NKJV).

Peter’s firsthand observation of the empty tomb and the linen cloths left behind served as further evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. This experience began to solidify the reality of the resurrection in the minds of the apostles.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

On the day of his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two of his disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus. Though the disciples didn’t recognize him at first, Jesus walked alongside them and engaged them in conversation.

The Disciples Share Their Grief and Confusion

The two disciples were deeply saddened by Jesus’ crucifixion and confused about the reports of his resurrection. They told the unrecognized Jesus, “The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:20-21 NKJV). They expressed their disappointment and shattered hopes, not yet understanding the significance of what had taken place.

Jesus Explains the Scriptures About the Messiah

In response to their confusion, Jesus began to explain the scriptures concerning the Messiah to them. “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27 NKJV). Jesus showed them how the Old Testament prophecies pointed to his suffering, death, and resurrection as a necessary part of God’s plan for salvation.

Jesus Revealed in the Breaking of Bread

As they approached Emmaus, the disciples urged Jesus to stay with them for a meal. “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:30-31 NKJV). In this moment of breaking bread together, the disciples finally recognized Jesus, and their hearts burned with joy at his presence.

The Disciples Return to Jerusalem with Joy

Upon recognizing Jesus, the two disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the good news with the other disciples. “So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'” (Luke 24:33-34 NKJV). Their encounter with the risen Christ transformed their grief into joy and their confusion into conviction, inspiring them to share the truth of his resurrection with others.

Jesus Appears to the Eleven Apostles

As the disciples gather in Jerusalem, Jesus himself suddenly appears among them. He greets them, saying, “Peace to you” (Luke 24:36 NKJV).

Jesus Proves His Bodily Resurrection

The disciples are startled and frightened, thinking they see a spirit. Jesus reassures them:

“Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 24:38-39 NKJV)

He shows them his hands and feet, still bearing the marks of the crucifixion. To further prove his physical resurrection, Jesus asks for food and eats broiled fish in their presence.

Jesus Teaches the Disciples About His Mission

Jesus then opens their understanding of the Scriptures. He explains:

• The Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day
• Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations
• The disciples are witnesses of these things

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit upon them and instructs them to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high. He leads them out to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven.

The disciples worship Jesus and return to Jerusalem with great joy. They continue praising God in the temple, their faith now unshakable in the risen Christ.

The Ascension of Jesus

In Luke 24, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. He opens their understanding of the Scriptures and gives them important instructions before ascending to heaven.

Jesus Promises to Send the Holy Spirit

Jesus reminds His followers of the Father’s promise, saying, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NKJV). This promise refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit, which would empower the disciples to be witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit would:

• Teach them all things
• Bring to remembrance all that Jesus said (John 14:26)
• Guide them into all truth (John 16:13)

Jesus emphasizes the importance of waiting for this divine empowerment before beginning their ministry.

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

After instructing His disciples, Jesus leads them out to Bethany. There, He lifts up His hands and blesses them. As He blesses them, He begins to ascend into heaven:

“Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51 NKJV)

This amazing event marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Key points about the Ascension:

• It confirms Jesus’ divine nature and authority
• It signifies His exaltation and return to glory (John 17:5)
• It enables Him to intercede for believers at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34)

After witnessing this, the disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God in the temple as they await the promised Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Luke 24 is a powerful testament to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and its transformative impact on his followers. Through the empty tomb, the angelic proclamation, and Jesus’ appearances to his disciples, we see the unfolding of God’s plan for redemption. The resurrection solidifies Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, while also providing hope and assurance for believers.

As we reflect on the events of Luke 24, we’re reminded of the centrality of the resurrection to our faith. It’s a message of hope, forgiveness, and new life that we’re called to share with the world. May we, like the disciples, be filled with joy and praise as we walk in the light of the risen Christ.

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