The Risen Lord and the Birth of the Church

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Luke 24 concludes the Gospel of Luke by revealing the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission through His resurrection and ascension. The previous chapters focused on Jesus’ ministry, teachings, and crucifixion, culminating in His death on the cross. This chapter transitions from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the hope and power of the resurrection, a pivotal moment in redemptive history. Understanding this chapter helps readers grasp how Jesus’ resurrection validates His identity as Messiah and empowers His followers to carry forward God’s kingdom.

What You'll Learn

• How the empty tomb and angelic message confirm Jesus’ resurrection as God’s fulfillment of prophecy.
• The significance of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances in strengthening the faith of His disciples.
• Why Jesus’ explanation of Scripture reveals the necessity of His suffering and resurrection.
• The commissioning of the disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations.
• The promise of the Holy Spirit’s power to equip believers for kingdom mission.
• The transformation of fear into worship and joy as a response to the risen Christ.

Jesus’ resurrection fulfills Scripture, empowers His followers, and inaugurates the global mission of repentance and forgiveness.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

Luke 24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Luke 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

Luke 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Luke 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Luke 24:8 And they remembered his words,

Luke 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

Luke 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

Luke 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Luke 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Luke 24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

Luke 24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

Luke 24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Luke 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Luke 24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Luke 24:1

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

Study: The women’s early visit to the tomb with prepared spices shows their devotion and care for Jesus’ body, reflecting Jewish burial customs. Their action sets the stage for the resurrection revelation, emphasizing the reality of Jesus’ death and the cultural importance of honoring the dead.

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Study: Finding the stone rolled away signals a divine intervention, as tombs were sealed to prevent disturbance. This detail highlights God’s power over death and prepares the women for the unexpected discovery that Jesus is no longer there.

Luke 24:3

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

Study: The absence of Jesus’ body confirms the resurrection event, challenging natural expectations. This moment is crucial as it shifts the narrative from death to life, inviting belief in Jesus’ victory over the grave.

Luke 24:4

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

Study: The appearance of two men in shining garments, likely angels, introduces heavenly confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection. Their presence reassures the women and connects the event to God’s divine plan, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the resurrection.

Luke 24:5

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Study: The angels’ question, 'Why seek ye the living among the dead?' confronts the women’s grief and misunderstanding, redirecting their focus to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. This challenges believers to recognize Jesus as alive, not confined to death.

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Study: Declaring 'He is not here, but is risen' affirms the resurrection as a present reality. The reminder of Jesus’ prior predictions underscores God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His promises, encouraging trust in His word.

Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Study: This verse recalls Jesus’ prophecy about His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, linking the event to God’s redemptive plan. It shows that the resurrection was not unexpected but necessary for salvation, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.

Luke 24:8

And they remembered his words,

Study: The women’s remembrance of Jesus’ words demonstrates the importance of His teaching and prophecy. It reveals how God prepares His followers through Scripture and Jesus’ own words to understand His mission.

Luke 24:9

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

Study: Their return to tell the apostles highlights the role of eyewitness testimony in establishing the resurrection’s truth. This act initiates the spread of the gospel and the foundation of the church’s witness.

Luke 24:10

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Study: Naming Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James emphasizes the significant role of women as the first witnesses, challenging cultural norms and affirming their vital place in God’s kingdom work.

Luke 24:11

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Study: The apostles’ initial disbelief shows human doubt even among Jesus’ closest followers, illustrating the challenge of accepting miraculous truth. This invites readers to wrestle honestly with faith and skepticism.

Luke 24:12

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Study: Peter’s investigation of the tomb and his wonder reflect a growing conviction despite confusion. His action models a faith that seeks evidence and wrestles with new realities.

Luke 24:13

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

Study: The journey to Emmaus introduces two disciples processing recent events, representing the broader community’s struggle to understand Jesus’ death and resurrection. The distance from Jerusalem symbolizes spiritual distance from full understanding.

Luke 24:14

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

Study: Their conversation about recent events shows the natural human response of confusion and sorrow, setting the stage for Jesus’ teaching and revelation to transform their perspective.

Luke 24:15

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

Study: Jesus’ approach and joining the disciples on the road reveals His desire for intimate fellowship and teaching, even when unrecognized. This demonstrates God’s patient pursuit of His people.

Luke 24:16

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

Study: Their eyes being holden signifies spiritual blindness, a common biblical theme showing the need for divine revelation to understand God’s work. It reminds readers that recognizing Jesus requires God’s enabling.

Luke 24:17

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Study: Jesus’ question about their sadness invites honest dialogue about their doubts and fears, modeling pastoral care and the importance of sharing burdens in community.

Luke 24:18

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Study: Cleopas’ response reveals the disciples’ limited understanding and disappointment, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality before the resurrection is fully grasped.

Luke 24:19

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Study: Jesus’ question 'What things?' prompts reflection on the events surrounding His death, encouraging careful consideration of their meaning and fulfillment of prophecy.

Luke 24:20

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

Study: The disciples’ description of Jesus as a mighty prophet acknowledges His authority but stops short of recognizing His messianic role, showing partial understanding common before resurrection revelation.

Luke 24:21

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Study: Their hope for Israel’s redemption through Jesus reflects Jewish messianic expectations, and their confusion about His death reveals the challenge of reconciling those hopes with reality.

Luke 24:22

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

Study: Mentioning the women’s report introduces multiple witnesses and adds credibility to the resurrection claim, emphasizing the communal nature of the gospel message.

Luke 24:23

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

Study: The women’s vision of angels announcing Jesus’ life underscores the supernatural confirmation of the resurrection, reinforcing the truth beyond human experience.

Luke 24:24

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Study: The disciples’ verification of the empty tomb further grounds the resurrection in historical reality, while their continued lack of seeing Jesus highlights the unfolding nature of revelation.

Luke 24:25

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Study: Jesus’ rebuke for their slowness to believe the prophets points to the importance of Scripture in understanding God’s plan, encouraging believers to study the Bible carefully.

Luke 24:26

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Study: The necessity of Christ’s suffering and glory reveals the paradox of the Messiah’s mission, fulfilling God’s plan for salvation through sacrifice and triumph.

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Study: Jesus’ explanation of Scripture from Moses to the prophets shows the unity of the Old Testament pointing to Him, deepening understanding of God’s redemptive work.

Luke 24:28

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

Study: As Jesus and the two disciples approached Emmaus, His action of pretending to go further reveals His deliberate intention to engage them deeply in the journey and their understanding. This moment highlights Jesus' teaching method of allowing space for reflection and dialogue before revealing His identity, emphasizing the covenant promise of revelation through relationship and encounter. The cultural context of hospitality and travel in first-century Palestine underscores the significance of the journey itself as a metaphor for spiritual discovery. Believers today can learn the value of patience and openness to God's timing in revealing truth.

Luke 24:29

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

Study: The disciples’ invitation for Jesus to stay reflects hospitality and longing for His presence, illustrating how fellowship with Christ satisfies spiritual hunger.

Luke 24:30

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

Study: Jesus blessing and breaking bread recalls the Last Supper, connecting His resurrection to covenant renewal and the ongoing life of the church.

Luke 24:31

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Study: Their eyes opening at the breaking of bread signifies spiritual illumination through worship and fellowship, a key moment of recognition and faith.

Luke 24:32

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Study: The disciples’ hearts burning as Jesus opened Scripture reveals the power of God’s word to inspire and confirm faith when understood in light of Christ.

Luke 24:33

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Study: Their immediate return to Jerusalem shows the urgency and joy of sharing the resurrection news, modeling the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel.

Luke 24:34

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

Study: The declaration that 'The Lord is risen indeed' affirms the central Christian confession, anchoring faith in the reality of the resurrection and Jesus’ appearances.

Luke 24:35

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Study: Sharing how Jesus was known in breaking bread highlights the importance of communal worship and the Lord’s Supper as means of grace and recognition.

Luke 24:36

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Study: Jesus’ sudden appearance among the disciples brings peace, addressing their fear and confirming His bodily resurrection, essential for their faith and mission.

Luke 24:37

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Study: The disciples’ fear and assumption that Jesus was a spirit show their struggle to comprehend the resurrection body, emphasizing the reality of Jesus’ physical resurrection.

Luke 24:38

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Study: Jesus’ question about their troubled hearts invites honest reflection and reassures them, showing His pastoral care and desire for their peace.

Luke 24:39

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Study: Inviting them to touch His hands and feet demonstrates the tangible reality of His resurrection body, countering spiritualized or mythical interpretations.

Luke 24:40

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

Study: Showing His wounds confirms continuity with His crucifixion, proving identity and fulfilling prophecy about the Messiah’s suffering.

Luke 24:41

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

Study: The disciples’ joy mixed with disbelief reveals the profound impact of the resurrection, inviting readers to embrace faith even amid wonder.

Luke 24:42

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

Study: Jesus eating broiled fish and honeycomb shows His physical resurrection and sustenance, affirming His true humanity and bodily life.

Luke 24:43

And he took it, and did eat before them.

Study: Jesus eating the broiled fish before His disciples after His resurrection confirms His physical, bodily resurrection, countering any notion that He was a mere spirit. This act fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's resurrection and affirms the New Covenant hope of eternal life in a renewed, tangible creation. The detail also serves to strengthen the disciples' faith, grounding their witness in reality. Practically, it reassures believers that the resurrected Christ is both divine and incarnate, inviting a relational faith that embraces both spiritual and physical dimensions.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Study: Jesus’ reminder that all Scripture points to Him connects the Old Testament to His mission, encouraging believers to see Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Luke 24:45

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Study: Opening their understanding to Scripture reveals the Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating God’s word, essential for faith and obedience.

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Study: Declaring that Christ had to suffer and rise the third day anchors the resurrection in God’s sovereign plan, fulfilling prophecy and securing salvation.

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Study: The call to preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name establishes the church’s mission and the gospel’s power to transform all nations.

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

Study: The disciples are commissioned as witnesses, emphasizing their responsibility to testify to Christ’s resurrection and its implications.

Luke 24:49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Study: The promise of the Father’s power through the Holy Spirit prepares the disciples for effective ministry, highlighting dependence on divine empowerment.

Luke 24:50

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Study: Jesus leading the disciples to Bethany and blessing them signifies His final commissioning and the transfer of authority before His ascension.

Luke 24:51

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Study: Jesus’ ascension marks His exaltation and return to the Father, completing His earthly mission and opening the way for the Spirit’s coming.

Luke 24:52

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Study: The disciples’ worship and joyful return to Jerusalem show their transformed hearts and readiness to continue Jesus’ mission empowered by the resurrection.

Luke 24:53

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Study: Their continual temple worship and praise reflect the early church’s devotion and the centrality of God’s presence in the life of believers.

Luke 24 reveals the resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture and the foundation of Christian faith. The chapter narrates the discovery of the empty tomb, angelic announcements, and Jesus’ appearances to His disciples, which transform their doubt into conviction. Jesus explains how His suffering and rising were foretold, commissioning His followers to preach repentance and forgiveness empowered by the Holy Spirit. The chapter concludes with Jesus’ ascension and the disciples’ joyful worship, marking the birth of the church’s mission to proclaim the kingdom of God.

Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering death and rising in glory, fulfilling Your promises and opening the way to eternal life. Help us to trust Your word, recognize Your presence, and boldly share the good news of repentance and forgiveness. Fill us with Your Spirit’s power to live as faithful witnesses, transformed by Your resurrection and committed to Your kingdom work. May our hearts burn with love for You and our lives reflect Your grace. Amen.

• Read Luke 24 daily, focusing on one section each day to meditate on Jesus’ resurrection and teachings.
• Memorize Luke 24:46 to anchor your faith in Christ’s suffering and resurrection.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to open your understanding of Scripture and empower your witness.
• Reflect in a journal on how Jesus’ resurrection changes your view of death and hope.
• Share the story of Jesus’ resurrection with a friend or family member this week.
• Participate in a communion service or share a meal with believers to remember Christ’s presence.
• Spend time in worship, thanking God for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life.

Luke 24 powerfully concludes the Gospel by revealing Jesus’ resurrection as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Through the empty tomb, angelic messages, and Jesus’ appearances, the disciples move from doubt to faith. Jesus explains Scripture’s testimony about His suffering and rising, commissioning His followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness empowered by the Holy Spirit. His ascension marks the beginning of the church’s mission, inviting all believers to live in the joy and power of the risen Lord.

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