Third Millennium Study Bible
Notes on Luke 24:1-53

Resurrection Appearances - Luke 24

This is a chart briefly describing the events of our Precious Lord's Resurrection Appearances.

Jesus' Resurrection - Luke 24:1-12

Compare the events recorded by Matthew and Mark below. Each of the Gospels deals with the resurrection in its own way, although none describes how it happened. Some details are clear in all four Gospels: The tomb was empty, the disciples were slow to believe that the resurrection had happened and the women were prominent in the first appearances of the resurrected Jesus. But each Gospel records some fact or event that does not appear in the others. Luke's includes the accounts of Jesus' walk to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), his appearance before his disciples (Luke 24:36-49), and his ascension into heaven (Luke 24:50-53).

Jesus' Walk to Emmaus - Luke 24:13-35

Two disciples were journeying to Emmaus (the exact location of which is unknown today). They are approximately sixty stadia, or about seven miles, from Jerusalem. As they went they were discussing the things that had happened in the proceeding days - literately they may have been "debating" (syzēteō; cf. Mark 8:11; Luke 22:23; Acts 6:9).

As they walked, they are joined by "a man." The disciples do not recognize who it is (Luke 24:16), but Luke tells us that it is Christ himself. Christ is gradually revealing himself to these two disciples, so he may instruct them. The disciples are downcast, or saddened by the events of the crucifixion (Luke 24:17-21). They were expecting a conquering King, but they had now given up hope.

The disciples continued their explanation to this stranger that now walked with them (Luke 24:22-24). Cleopas, one of the disciples, explained how some female disciples went to Jesus' grave and found no body. They said he was alive! Then others went to the tomb and found it empty. Though they knew the grave was empty, they still had not seen Jesus. Was it a mere empty grave, or did a resurrection perhaps really happen? They were indeed doubting Thomas' (cf. John 20:24-29).

The natural mind has a difficult, if not impossible, time believing the resurrection (see below). Conceptually it is not the norm, it is mind staggering - which is exactly God's point - he is above the norm. It is mysterious. It is a miracle. He controls all - even death. He is sovereign. He is God. Only he could do this!

However, not only is he the only one that may truly raise the dead, but he is also the only one that may give one the understanding and faith to believe in it (Rom. 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:14; cf. John 3:3, 5). Indeed, this is exactly what Jesus does in our text. Luke 24: 25-27 says:

"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

The disciples have been slow to believe. They have not digested Isaiah 52-53 or Psalm 16 (cf. Deut. 18:15; Psa. 2:7; 110:1; 118; Dan. 7:13-14). They may have glossed over the pages of such texts, but their understanding had not yet been enlightened by the Spirit. Until and unless the Spirit gives one understanding they can not and will not truly believe in the wondrous resurrection of Jesus Christ! It is not just a set of fact; it is divine revelation.

This is made even more clear in what follows. Luke says in part, "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him" (Luke 24:30-31). It is in the intimacy of fellowship (cf. Luke 24:41-43; Acts 1:4; 10:41; John 21:9-15) that Jesus is recognized. This intimacy is not something that a person may conjure up; it is given by the Spirit as he wills (John 3:8). It is a gift (Eph. 2:8-10). And not only is intimacy necessary in salvation (at the foot of the Cross), but also in sanctification (continual growth in the Cross). Has God opened your eyes? Is he still opening them?

After his recognition by the disciples, Jesus disappears. But, the disciples did not lose what they had received. "They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"" (Luke 24:32). Their hope now had new understanding, new revelation. The Spirit - their hearts burning (cf. Exod. 3:2; 14:19; Num. 9:14-15; Ezek. 1:4; Acts 2:1-4; Heb. 12:29) - had spoken to them. They spread the Good News - Jesus had risen, he had risen indeed (Luke 24:33-35).

Related Resources

• Post-Resurrection Discrepancies
• Passion Week - Mark 14:1-16:8
• The Resurrection of Jesus: Why Was Jesus Resurrected?
• The Gospel: What Is Salvation and How Do I Get It?
• Regeneration and New Birth: Must I Be Born Again?
• The resurrection of Jesus - Matthew 28:1-10
• The guard's report - Matthew 28:11-15
• Jesus' Resurrection - Mark 16:1-20
• The Sabbath was over - Mark 16:1-3
• He has risen! - Mark 16:4-7
• Afraid - Mark 16:8
• The Resurrection of Jesus: Why Was Jesus Resurrected?
• The Gospel: What Is Salvation and How Do I Get It?