Introduction: Luke 24 outlines the end of the physical life of the most important person that lived on this earth, recounting the events of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He lives today and is seated at the right hand of the Father. This chapter teaches about the empty tomb, the appearance of Jesus to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and His later appearance to the disciples in Jerusalem. These events inspire hope, faith, and are a powerful testament to the promise of eternal life. There is no other name given under heaven whereby people can be saved (Acts 4:12).
I. Luke 24:1-12 – The Empty Tomb
On the first day of the week, when the women visited the tomb, they found it empty. The angels appeared and reminded them of Jesus’s words, causing them to remember His promise of resurrection (Luke 24:6). This points to the prophecy in Isaiah 53:10-11, where the prophet spoke of a servant who, despite suffering, would see the light of life. When the women reported their findings, the apostles’ hard a hard time believing their story (Luke 24:11) brings to mind the widespread disbelief predicted in Psalms 22:6-7.
II. Luke 24:13-35 – The Emmaus Road Appearance
Here, Jesus appeared to two disciples on their journey to Emmaus but their eyes were restrained from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16), this is a supernatural event as they were walking with Him, talking to Him, but did not recognize Him. This lack of recognition reminds us of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:2. As Jesus explained the scriptures to them, their hearts burned within them (Luke 24:32), bringing to mind the words in Jeremiah 20:9 about God’s word being like a fire in the heart. The revelation of His identity at the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:31) ties back to the Last Supper (Luke 22:19). All scripture is connected, it is one story, one truth, the only truth in this world!
III. Luke 24:36-49 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
In these verses, Jesus appeared to His disciples, offering peace and relieving their fears (Luke 24:36). His request for food, and a meal of a fish illustrates His physical resurrection (Luke 24:42-43), fulfilling His words in John 2:19-22. Jesus opened their understanding to the scriptures (Luke 24:45), pointing to the promise in Psalm 119:18. Jesus’s instruction for them to wait until they are endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49) foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:4).
IV. Luke 24:50-53 – The Ascension
Finally, Jesus led them to Bethany, blessed them, and was carried into heaven (Luke 24:50-51), fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 7:13-14 about a ‘Son of Man’ coming with the clouds of heaven. The disciples’ joy and worship in the temple (Luke 24:52-53) remind us of the words in Psalm 122:1 about joy in going into the house of the Lord.
Conclusion: Luke 24 shows us the journey from an empty tomb to a risen Savior, from disbelief to recognition, and from fear to faith. It shows us how Jesus, even after His resurrection, continued to teach and guide His disciples, preparing them for the mission ahead. As we look at this chapter, we can see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and gain a deeper perspective of Christ’s mission and His divine identity as the Messiah. At the end of the day, these events inspire us to embrace the gospel with faith and joy, and bring comfort and peace to the soul knowing that Jesus is alive!
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