LUKE 24

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS + THE GREAT COMMISSION

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, most likely the mother of Jesus, visit the tomb to anoint Jesus’s body with spices. Wondering how to open the tomb, the women realize the stone has already been rolled away.

As they enter the tomb, they are met by angels who speak to them, saying, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Reminded of the words of Jesus, the women remember His prophecy of His death and resurrection. He did exactly what He said He would do!  

After seeing Jesus's empty tomb, the women run to tell the disciples, but the disciples cannot believe the news. Peter immediately runs to the tomb to see for himself. Looking into the tomb, he sees the linen cloths that wrapped around Jesus’s body lying by themselves, and he marvels at this sight.

Jesus appears to two disciples as they walk toward the village of Emmaus.

Jesus walks beside them, but they do not recognize Him. He asks why they are in despair, and the two men ironically explain Jesus's innocent death to the resurrected Jesus Himself.

Jesus questions their faith and their knowledge of Scripture, saying, "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Starting with the books of Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interprets all the Scriptures concerning Himself.

When they arrive in Emmaus, the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them, still not having recognized Him as the resurrected Savior. When He is at the table with them, He blesses the bread, breaks it, and gives it to them. At this moment, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. He then disappears from their sight. Reflecting on what just occurred, the disciples realize that their hearts burned within themselves as Jesus shared the fulfillment of the Scriptures with them. The men return to Jerusalem to share with the other disciples that “the Lord has risen indeed!” and their recognition of Him during the breaking of the bread.

As the disciples talk about His return, Jesus stands among them and says, “Peace to you!” The disciples are startled by His arrival and assume they are seeing a ghost. To console the disciples and prove His identity, Jesus shows them His hands and feet, allowing them to touch Him and feel His physical presence. He sits down with the disciples and shares a meal with them.

Jesus explains that He is the fulfillment of the Scriptures, including the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, opening the disciples’ minds, giving them understanding of the Scriptures. In His final instruction, known as the Great Commission, Jesus invites the disciples to share the Gospel with all people.

After sharing this message with the disciples and blessing them, Jesus returns to heaven. The disciples continue to worship Jesus and return to Jerusalem with great joy and faith.