Luke Chapter 24 — The Resurrection and Ascension
Luke 24 records the resurrection of Jesus, his appearances to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and in Jerusalem, and his ascension to heaven.
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Notable Verses
Luke 24:6-7
“He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”
This verse is the central announcement of the resurrection, reminding the followers of Jesus' own prophecies.
Luke 24:32
“They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?””
This describes the powerful impact of understanding how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed toward the Messiah.
Luke 24:48
“You are witnesses of these things.”
This establishes the primary role of the apostles as first-hand witnesses to the events of Jesus' life and resurrection.
Chapter Summary
The final chapter of Luke begins on the first day of the week as women discover the empty tomb and are met by two angels who declare that Jesus has risen. Although the apostles initially doubt their report, Peter finds the linen strips alone in the tomb. Jesus then appears anonymously to two disciples traveling to Emmaus, explaining how the Scriptures prophesied the Messiah's suffering and glory. He reveals his identity while breaking bread before vanishing. Jesus subsequently appears to the gathered eleven in Jerusalem, proving his physical resurrection by showing his wounds and eating fish in their presence. He opens their minds to understand the law and prophets, commissions them to preach repentance to all nations, and tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. The Gospel concludes with Jesus blessing his disciples at Bethany before being carried into heaven, leaving them praising God in the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
A group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, were the first to find the tomb empty. They were greeted by two men in dazzling clothing who informed them that Jesus had risen.
Two disciples were walking and discussing Jesus' death when Jesus himself joined them, though they were prevented from recognizing him. After he explained how the Scriptures foretold his life, they recognized him during the breaking of bread at dinner.
Jesus invited the apostles to touch his hands and feet to see his flesh and bones, proving he was not a spirit. He also ate a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb in their presence to demonstrate his physical reality.
According to the text, Jesus led his followers out as far as Bethany. While he was blessing them, he withdrew and was carried up into heaven.
Study Note
Luke's detailed emphasis on Jesus eating food and possessing flesh and bones was likely intended to demonstrate the literal, physical nature of the resurrection.
Related Chapters
Matthew 28
Compare this account with Matthew's narrative of the resurrection and the commission to the disciples.
John 20
Explore another detailed eyewitness account of the empty tomb and Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.
Acts 1
Read the continuation of this narrative, written by the same author, focusing on the early church and the ascension.
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