1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,
14 And they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.
18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23 and did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”
37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.
38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.
40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43 And he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
The True Meaning of Luke 24
The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. This chapter describes the events that took place after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as his disciples grapple with the profound implications of this miraculous event. The disciples’ initial disbelief and confusion are witnessed in this passage, followed by their gradual understanding of the significance of Christ’s resurrection. The chapter also recounts Jesus’ appearances to his followers, providing them with the reassurance and guidance they need to continue his mission on Earth.
The events described in Luke 24 are closely tied to the prophecies and teachings found throughout the Old Testament. For instance, the disciples’ inability to recognize Jesus at first echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, who foretold that the Messiah would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Additionally, Jesus’ explanation of the Scriptures and the necessity of his suffering and resurrection aligns with his own teachings during his earthly ministry, as recorded in the Gospels (Luke 9:22, 18:31-33).
Luke 24:1-12
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“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. The women who had been followers of Jesus showed their devotion and love for Him by going to the tomb to anoint His body in this verse. The fact that they went early in the morning demonstrates their eagerness and dedication. These women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, had been present at the crucifixion and had witnessed where Jesus was laid in the tomb (Luke 23:55).
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“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
The women were met with an unexpected sight – the stone that had sealed the tomb was rolled away, and they found the tomb empty. This event was a pivotal moment not only in the Gospel of Luke but also in the entire Bible. The empty tomb signified the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is through His resurrection that we have hope of eternal life and salvation. This event fulfilled prophecies such as Psalm 16:10 which says, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
- “While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.”
The appearance of the two men in dazzling clothes, who were angels, added a supernatural element to the already miraculous event of the empty tomb. Their presence signaled the divine aspect of Jesus’ resurrection and served as a message to the women that Jesus had indeed risen, just as He had foretold. This visitation by angels was not uncommon in the Bible, as seen in other instances like the announcement of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:8-15.
- The men said to the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”‘”
The reaction of the women to the appearance of the angels was fear and reverence, as they bowed down before them. The angels then questioned the women’s purpose in seeking the living among the dead, effectively reminding them of Jesus’ resurrection. This question challenges us also to seek the living Christ, not in the dead things of this world, but in the eternal truths and promises found in Him. This encounter with the angels served not only to confirm the resurrection but also to instruct and guide the women in their understanding of the event.
- “He is not here; He has risen! He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.””
The angels reminded the women of Jesus’ own words when He was with them in Galilee, foretelling His death and resurrection. This emphasizes the importance of remembering and understanding the teachings of Jesus. His resurrection was not an unforeseen event but a fulfillment of His own prophecies. This verse underscores the reliability of Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of His divine purpose—to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice and resurrection. It also highlights the significance of the resurrection in Christianity as the cornerstone of the faith. The account in Luke 24:1-12 marks a crucial turning point in the Gospel narrative as it shifts from the despair of the crucifixion to the triumph of the resurrection. The empty tomb, the appearance of angels, and the message of Jesus’ resurrection to the women all serve to validate the core beliefs of Christianity. It is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God to His promises and the victory of Christ over sin and death. The women at the tomb play a significant role as witnesses to these events, highlighting the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry that welcomed women as integral participants in spreading the Gospel message.
Luke 24:13-35
We encounter the poignant story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35, a narrative that is rich in symbolism and meaning. The section can be broken down into the following key components:
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Encounter on the Road to Emmaus: Two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. Suddenly, Jesus Himself joined them on the road, but they were kept from recognizing Him. This encounter is significant as it showcases Jesus appearing incognito to His followers, allowing them to recognize Him in a new light.
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Jesus Walking Alongside Them: During their journey, Jesus engaged them in conversation, inquiring about the things that had happened in Jerusalem. The disciples shared their disbelief in the resurrection, revealing their sorrow and confusion. Jesus, in His gentle rebuke, referred to them as “foolish” and explained how the scriptures foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory. This moment underscores the importance of understanding and interpreting the scriptures in light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
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Revelation at the Table: Upon reaching Emmaus, the disciples urged Jesus to stay with them since evening was approaching. At the table, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. It was in this moment of breaking bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus. However, He vanished from their sight, prompting the disciples to reflect on how their hearts had burned within them as Jesus explained the scriptures. This revelation underscores the significance of the Eucharist in which believers can commune with the presence of Christ through the breaking of bread.
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Response and Recognition: After recognizing Jesus, the disciples reflected on their conversation with Him and how their hearts had been stirred by His words. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with the other disciples. This response highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ and the urgency to share the Gospel with others.
This passage from Luke 24 offers timeless lessons for believers. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus in the midst of our doubts and confusion, the significance of studying scriptures to understand God’s plan of salvation, the revelation of Christ’s presence in the breaking of bread, and the call to respond to His resurrection by sharing the Gospel with zeal and conviction.
The story of the road to Emmaus is a powerful reminder that Jesus accompanies us on our journeys, even when we may not immediately recognize Him. It echoes themes of faith, revelation, and discipleship found throughout the Bible, such as the recognition of Jesus by His followers post-resurrection (John 20:1-31) and the commission to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). We, as modern-day believers, are encouraged to seek and recognize the presence of Christ in our lives, allowing His transformative power to move our hearts and lead us to share His message of love and redemption with the world.
Luke 24:36-49
Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection in Luke 24:36-49. This section is a crucial moment in the Gospel of Luke, as it emphasizes the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and his continued presence with his followers.
First, in verse 36, we witness the disciples’ initial reaction to seeing Jesus. They were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a ghost. This shows the disciples’ difficulty in comprehending the concept of Jesus actually being alive again. Jesus responds to their fear by showing them his hands and feet, proving his physical presence and dispelling any doubts they may have had. This emphasizes the bodily resurrection of Jesus, a fundamental belief in Christianity.
Moving on to verse 44, Jesus reminds his disciples of what he had previously taught them about his suffering, death, and resurrection as fulfillment of the Scriptures. Here, we see the importance of understanding the Old Testament prophecies and how they point to Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus reaffirms the continuity between the Old Testament and the fulfillment of God’s plan through him by referencing the Scriptures. Jesus instructs his disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem in verse 47. This commission is vital for the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Christian church. It reinforces the universal message of salvation through Christ and the disciples’ role in carrying out this mission.
The passage concludes in verse 49 with Jesus promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples for the task ahead. This promise of the Holy Spirit fulfills the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32, where God promised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh. The presence of the Holy Spirit would provide the disciples with wisdom, courage, and guidance as they spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Luke 24:36-49 showcases the pivotal moment of Jesus’ resurrection appearance to the disciples, his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, his commission for them to spread the Gospel, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. These events solidify the foundation of the Christian faith, affirming the reality of Jesus as the risen Lord, the continuity of God’s plan throughout history, the universality of salvation, and the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit for the ministry of sharing the good news.
Luke 24:50-53
Jesus ascends into heaven in Luke 24:50-53, concluding the Gospel of Luke. This passage holds significant importance as it marks the end of Luke’s account of Jesus’ life on earth and sets the stage for the beginning of the spread of the Gospel by the disciples.
Starting with verse 50, it describes how Jesus led His disciples out to the vicinity of Bethany, where He then lifted up His hands and blessed them. This act of blessing is a powerful moment where Jesus imparts His divine favor and protection upon His followers before His departure. The act of lifting up His hands in blessing is reminiscent of priestly blessings found in the Old Testament, indicating Jesus’ authority and divinity. Jesus blesses them and is then taken up into heaven. This event of Jesus’ ascension is a pivotal moment because it signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of His mission. It also highlights Jesus’ victory over sin and death, as He returns to the Father in glory. This ascension not only underscores Jesus’ divine nature but also points to His future return as stated in Acts 1:11, where angels tell the disciples that Jesus will come back in the same way He ascended.
The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ ascension is one of worship and joy. They worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Their response reflects a deep understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His resurrection and ascension. It also serves as a model for believers today to respond to the truths of the Gospel with worship and joy, knowing that Jesus is victorious over sin and death.
The disciples spent their time in the temple, continually praising God after witnessing Jesus’ ascension. This devotion and praise demonstrate their commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and worshipping God. It also sets an example for believers to be steadfast in prayer, worship, and fellowship as they await the return of Christ, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:25 where it encourages believers not to forsake meeting together. Luke 24:50-53 encapsulates the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His ascension into heaven, the disciples’ response of worship and joy, and their ongoing devotion to God. This passage serves as a reminder of Jesus’ victory, His divine authority, and the disciples’ faithful witness. It also lays the foundation for the spread of the Gospel and the mission of the church, as believers are called to worship, rejoice, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ until His return.
After Luke 24
We witness the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ in the final chapter of Luke, bringing hope and joy to his followers. Jesus appears to the disciples, showing his wounds as proof of his identity, as they grapple with the reality of his return from the dead. He teaches them, opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, and commissions them to spread the good news of salvation to all nations.
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder of God’s victory over sin and death, offering redemption and new life to all who believe. Let us reflect on this incredible event and be inspired to share the message of hope and salvation with others, just as the disciples were called to do. The story of Jesus does not end here; it is a beginning, a call to continue his work and bring light into a world filled with darkness.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.