Luke 24 – He Is Risen!

Overview

Luke 24 is the triumphant conclusion to Luke’s Gospel, centering on the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His post-resurrection appearances. The chapter records three key scenes:

The Empty Tomb (vv. 1-12) – Women discover Jesus’ tomb is empty. Angels declare that He is risen.
The Road to Emmaus (vv. 13-35) – The risen Jesus walks with two disciples, opens the Scriptures to them, and is finally recognized in the breaking of bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (vv. 36-49) – Jesus appears physically to the gathered disciples, proves His bodily resurrection, teaches them, and commissions them.
The Ascension (vv. 50-53) – Jesus blesses His disciples and ascends to heaven.

This chapter powerfully affirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the inerrancy and authority of Scripture, the necessity of faith, the mission of the church, and the Lordship of Christ. The chapter underscores that all of Scripture points to Christ, from Moses to the Prophets.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context:

First-century Jerusalem: Luke’s Gospel ends where it began—in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection occurred during the Passover, a feast commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This context reinforces the idea that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb.
Eyewitness testimony: Luke’s account is rooted in eyewitness evidence (cf. Luke 1:1-4). The resurrection appearances were verified by multiple witnesses, which was critical in an honor-shame culture where public validation mattered.
Role of women: The women being the first to witness the empty tomb (vv. 1-10) is historically significant, as their testimony in that culture would have been considered less credible. Luke includes this to emphasize the authenticity of the events, not to conform to cultural expectations.

Literary Context:

Narrative closure: Luke 24 serves as a literary and theological climax. It provides resolution to the tension introduced by Jesus‘ crucifixion by affirming His triumph over death.
Parallelism and fulfillment: The chapter is filled with Old Testament fulfillment, showing continuity between promise and fulfillment, particularly through Jesus’ exposition on the road to Emmaus (v. 27).
Themes of recognition and revelation: Jesus is recognized through the Word and the breaking of bread—reinforcing the dual importance of Scripture and spiritual communion.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus

Doctrinal Affirmation: The resurrection was physical, not metaphorical. Jesus invites the disciples to touch Him and eats in their presence (vv. 39-43). This confirms that the resurrection is not spiritual symbolism but a literal historical event.
Application: The bodily resurrection assures believers of the future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20) and the hope of eternal life.

2. The Inerrancy and Sufficiency of Scripture

Jesus interprets “Moses and all the Prophets” to show that all Scripture points to Him (v. 27, v. 44). The Word is presented as completely trustworthy and authoritative.
Evangelical Emphasis: The Scriptures are without error and completely sufficient for faith and life. The unfolding of prophecy proves divine authorship.
Preaching Insight: This provides a model for expository preaching—Christ-centered and rooted in Scripture.

3. Christ-Centered Revelation

Jesus opens the disciples’ minds to understand Scripture (v. 45). True understanding comes not only from study but through the Holy Spirit’s work in illuminating the Word.
Sovereignty of God: God opens hearts and minds in His perfect timing. Salvation is a work of grace.

4. The Great Commission

Jesus declares that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations” (v. 47). This is Luke’s version of the Great Commission, rooted in Old Testament prophecy.
Missional Focus: The church is called to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, calling all people to repent and believe.
Doctrine of Salvation: Salvation comes through faith in the risen Christ, by grace, not works.

5. The Work of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promises that the disciples will be “clothed with power from on high” (v. 49). This foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Evangelical Teaching: The Spirit empowers believers to bear witness to Christ, not for private experience but public proclamation.
Role of the Holy Spirit: Empowerment, illumination, and mission.

6. The Lordship and Ascension of Christ

Jesus ascends in bodily form (vv. 50-53), demonstrating His glorified state and authority. This is not symbolic; He ascended in real time, to a real place, affirming His exaltation.
Christological Focus: Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for His people (Romans 8:34).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis with Doctrinal Insight, Cross-References, and Application

Luke 24:1-12 – The Empty Tomb

v.1-3 – “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb…”

Literal Insight: This is the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion. The women were not expecting a resurrection; they came to perform burial rites.
Doctrinal Point: The resurrection happened on the first day of the week (Sunday), laying the foundation for Christian worship on this day (Acts 20:7).
Cross-Reference: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, John 20:1-10.
Application: Even when hope seems lost, God is already at work bringing new life.

v.4-7 – “Why do you look for the living among the dead?… He is not here; He has risen!”

Literal Insight: Angels announce Jesus’ resurrection and remind the women of Jesus’ own words (Luke 9:22).
Theological Emphasis: The resurrection was foretold by Christ Himself and confirmed by heavenly witnesses.
Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Christ died for our sins, was buried, and raised on the third day.
Application: Believers must remember God’s promises and trust in His Word even in moments of despair.

v.11 – “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”

Doctrinal Note: The apostles’ initial unbelief highlights the historical credibility of the account. If this were fabricated, early believers would not portray themselves as doubters.
Application: Faith is not based on wishful thinking but on the revealed and verified Word of God.

Luke 24:13-35 – The Road to Emmaus

v.15-16 – “Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him.”

Doctrinal Insight: Divine restraint was involved. Jesus reveals Himself progressively, in His timing.
Cross-Reference: John 20:14 – Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus until He called her name.
Application: Jesus walks with His people even when they don’t perceive Him. He reveals Himself through His Word and presence.

v.25-27 – “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are…’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.”

Theological Insight: Jesus is the central figure of the entire Bible.
Doctrinal Emphasis: All Scripture is Christ-centered. The Bible interprets the Bible.
Cross-Reference: John 5:39 – “These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me.”
Application: We must read the Old Testament in light of Christ. This passage is a model for Christ-centered expository preaching.

v.30-31 – “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…”

Insight: Recognition came through communion—a combination of Word and fellowship.
Application: Jesus often reveals Himself through simple, faithful practices of Word and table.

Luke 24:36-49 – Jesus Appears to the Disciples

v.39-40 – “Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself! Touch Me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Literal Emphasis: Jesus rose bodily, not spiritually. His resurrection was physical and observable.
Cross-Reference: 1 John 1:1 – “That which we have seen and touched…”
Application: The Christian hope is in a future bodily resurrection (Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:21).

v.44-45 – “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms…”

Theological Point: The Old Testament, in its threefold structure, points to Christ.
Doctrine: The unity and inspiration of Scripture; God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus.
Application: The whole Bible equips the believer when interpreted through the lens of Christ.

v.47-49 – “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations…”

Doctrinal Emphasis: The gospel is universal in scope, centered on repentance and forgiveness through Christ.
Application: Every believer has a role in gospel proclamation. The church is sent in Christ’s authority and with the Spirit’s power.

Luke 24:50-53 – The Ascension

v.51 – “While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.”

Doctrinal Point: Christ ascended bodily and visibly into heaven, confirming His exaltation and present reign (Hebrews 1:3).
Cross-Reference: Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-22.
Application: Jesus reigns today and intercedes for believers. His ascension assures us of His return and current advocacy.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Luke 24 ties the entire biblical narrative together in Christ:

Jesus as Fulfillment of Scripture: He shows that the Law, Prophets, and Psalms were pointing to His death and resurrection. The redemptive plan of God centers on the person and work of Jesus.
Jesus as the Risen Lord: His resurrection vindicates His divinity, proves His victory over sin and death, and confirms His teachings.
Jesus as the Teacher and Savior: He opens the Scriptures, explains salvation history, and commissions His followers with authority.
Jesus as the Ascended King: He now reigns in heaven, sending the Holy Spirit and ruling until His return.

Christ is not just part of the story—He is the story.

Connection to God the Father

The Father’s Plan: Jesus refers to “everything written” as part of God’s sovereign design (v.44). The Father orchestrated redemption from eternity past (Ephesians 1:4-10).
The Father’s Faithfulness: The resurrection is the Father’s vindication of the Son’s obedience (Acts 2:24, Romans 6:4).
The Father’s Promise: Jesus tells the disciples, “I am going to send you what My Father has promised” (v.49)—a reference to the Holy Spirit (see Joel 2:28, Acts 1:4). This promise reflects the Father’s ongoing involvement in empowering the church.
The Father’s Glory: The resurrection and ascension bring glory to the Father through the obedience and exaltation of the Son (Philippians 2:9-11).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Although the Holy Spirit is not explicitly active in Luke 24 in the same way He is in Acts, His presence is anticipated and foundational for the events to come:

1. Promise of the Spirit (v.49)

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus points to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will empower the disciples to bear witness to His resurrection.
The Spirit’s work in empowering gospel proclamation, beginning at Pentecost, is grounded in the resurrection and commission given in this chapter.
Application: Every follower of Jesus needs the power of the Spirit to live obediently and speak boldly. Ministry without the Spirit leads to spiritual barrenness.

2. Illumination of the Scriptures (v.45)

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”

This act anticipates the Spirit’s role in illumination—helping believers understand God’s Word (1 Corinthians 2:10-14; John 14:26).
Doctrinal Insight: Without the Spirit, Scripture remains veiled. The Holy Spirit opens minds and hearts to grasp truth, see Christ clearly, and respond in faith.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “He Is Risen: The Word, the Witness, and the Work”
Text: Luke 24
Theme: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for Christian faith, witness, and mission.
Purpose: To stir faith in the risen Christ, highlight the authority of Scripture, and challenge believers to Spirit-empowered witness.

I. The Resurrection Validates the Word (vv.1-12)

Main Point: Jesus rose exactly as He said He would.
Scripture Fulfilled: Christ’s death and resurrection fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53).
Application: Trust the Word even when circumstances seem impossible.
Illustration: Like a seed buried in the ground, Jesus was placed in the tomb, but from it sprang life eternal.

II. The Resurrected Christ Walks With Us (vv.13-35)

Main Point: Jesus is present even when we don’t recognize Him.
Scripture Connection: He reveals Himself through the Word and fellowship.
Application: Read the Word expecting to encounter Christ. Invite Him into your doubts and disappointments.
Example: A grieving parent shared how a verse from the Psalms “jumped off the page” during their time of sorrow, showing Christ’s nearness.

III. The Risen Lord Commissions Witnesses (vv.36-49)

Main Point: Jesus sends His followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations.
Doctrinal Emphasis: The gospel is for everyone; repentance and forgiveness are central.
Cross-Reference: Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power…”
Application: We are not just saved from sin but saved for mission.
Illustration: Like a firefighter who runs into danger to rescue others, so we are called to share the gospel no matter the cost.

IV. The Ascended King Reigns (vv.50-53)

Main Point: Jesus ascended and reigns with all authority.
Theological Point: His bodily ascension confirms His identity as Lord and Savior.
Application: Worship the risen King and live under His authority.
Call to Action: Let your life reflect the joy of the gospel. Walk in the Spirit, share the Word, and worship Jesus as King.

Conclusion: He Lives—Now Go!

Recap: The tomb is empty, the Word is true, Jesus walks with us, and we are sent with power.
Call to Action:
1. Believe in the risen Lord.
2. Study the Scriptures daily to know Christ.
3. Wait on the Holy Spirit for power.
4. Go into your world with the gospel.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Broken Bread: Seeing Christ in the Ordinary

A church leader once told of how a simple prayer before a meal opened the door to a deep gospel conversation with a co-worker. Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we often encounter Jesus in the ordinary when our eyes are opened.

2. GPS Misguided, Truth Recovered

Sometimes GPS leads us down the wrong road, but when we reconnect with the map’s true signal, we find our way. Likewise, the Word of God is our fixed signal—Christ opens our understanding and redirects us when we stray.

3. Courtroom Evidence: The Reality of the Resurrection

In court, witnesses and physical evidence validate truth. The resurrection is not hearsay; it is based on eyewitness accounts, changed lives, and fulfilled prophecy. We don’t follow myth—we follow a risen Lord.

4. Power Cord Analogy

A lamp, no matter how beautiful, is powerless without being plugged in. The disciples were told to wait for the power from on high. The Holy Spirit is that power—without Him, our ministry is only decoration.

Application for Today’s Christian

Luke 24 is not merely a historical conclusion to the Gospel—it is a call to a transformed life. The resurrection demands a response in how we live as disciples of Jesus. Below are practical applications for everyday faith, focusing on discipleship, stewardship, and living out the gospel.

1. Discipleship: Walking with Christ Daily

Walk with Jesus as the disciples did on the road to Emmaus (v.15). Spend time in the Word and prayer to grow in intimacy with Christ.
Let Christ open your understanding of Scripture (v.27, 45). Use regular Bible study, church teaching, and small groups to deepen biblical literacy.
Be teachable and honest with doubts, like the disciples who did not recognize Him at first. Doubts are part of the journey—bring them to Jesus.

Practice: Join a discipleship group or mentor a younger believer, guiding them to see Christ in all of Scripture.

2. Stewardship: Using God’s Resources for His Mission

Time: Prioritize worship, prayer, and witness. Use mornings or lunch breaks to reflect on Scripture and ask, “Who can I encourage today?”
Talents: Jesus commissioned His followers to spread the gospel (v.47). Steward your gifts in your local church—teaching, serving, or encouraging.
Treasure: Support missions and gospel proclamation, both locally and globally, as an act of resurrection stewardship.

Practice: Create a weekly plan for using your time, gifts, and money in a way that reflects the urgency and power of Christ’s resurrection.

3. Witness: Living Boldly with the Gospel

Proclaim repentance and forgiveness (v.47). Live and share the message that people can be restored to God through Christ.
Be empowered by the Spirit (v.49). Don’t attempt spiritual work without spiritual power.
Celebrate with joy (v.52). Christians should live with resurrection joy that points to hope beyond this life.

Practice: Write down your personal testimony of how Jesus changed your life and look for a way to share it this week.

Connection to God’s Love

Luke 24 is saturated with God’s loving pursuit of humanity:

1. Love that Conquers Death

The resurrection proves that death is not the end. God did not abandon His Son, and He will not abandon His people (Romans 8:11).
Jesus‘ triumph over death is the ultimate demonstration of divine love, showing that no barrier can separate us from God’s redemptive plan.

2. Love that Seeks the Brokenhearted

Jesus meets the doubting and sorrowful (vv.13-35). He walks beside hurting people, listens to their confusion, and gently leads them to truth.
Even when we do not recognize Him, He is present and patient, revealing His love step by step.

3. Love that Sends Us on Mission

Jesus entrusts His message to fallible people—not because He needs them, but because He delights in involving us in His redemptive plan.
This is not a burden, but a privilege of grace (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

God’s Love in Luke 24:
– Initiates relationship
– Pursues the broken
– Reveals Himself in the Word
– Offers forgiveness through Christ
– Empowers believers to share His love

Broader Biblical Themes in Luke 24

Luke 24 serves as a capstone for many biblical themes. It links the entire story of Scripture into one unbroken redemptive thread:

1. Creation and New Creation

The resurrection of Jesus is the firstfruits of the new creation (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Just as God breathed life into Adam, He breathes new life into the world through the risen Christ (cf. John 20:22).

2. Redemption

From Genesis 3 onward, Scripture anticipates a Redeemer who would crush the serpent’s head. Luke 24 proclaims that Redeemer has come, died, and risen.
Christ’s suffering was necessary for redemption (v.26), fulfilling Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.

3. Covenant Fulfillment

Jesus fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant by bringing blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3 → Luke 24:47).
He fulfills the Davidic Covenant as the risen and reigning King (2 Samuel 7:12-13 → Luke 1:32-33 → Luke 24:51).
He inaugurates the New Covenant through His blood (Luke 22:20), offering forgiveness of sins and spiritual renewal (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

4. Kingdom of God

The resurrection proves that the kingdom of God is not a metaphor—it is a reality breaking into history.
Jesus’ ascension marks the beginning of His reign at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), from where He will return to judge and restore.

5. Mission of God

Luke 24:47-49 links directly to the missionary impulse of Scripture: from God’s call to Abraham, to the prophets, to the Great Commission in Acts.
The church today continues this mission, carrying the gospel to every nation in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions

These questions are designed to encourage thoughtful engagement with Luke 24. They can be used for personal reflection, discipleship conversations, or small group Bible studies, helping Christians apply Scripture to life with clarity and conviction.

1. The Word and the Resurrection

“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you…” (v.6)

What does the resurrection of Jesus tell you about the truth and reliability of God’s Word?
How does remembering Jesus‘ promises help you face fear, grief, or uncertainty?
Are there any areas in your life where you’re struggling to believe God’s Word? How can you bring those doubts to Him?

2. The Road to Emmaus: Recognizing Christ

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (v.32)

Have you ever had a moment when Scripture came alive to you in a personal way? What happened?
What helps you grow in recognizing Jesus in everyday life?
How can you create space to listen to Jesus more intentionally through His Word?

3. The Commission and the Call

“Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…” (v.47)

How does the truth of Jesus’ resurrection motivate you to share the gospel with others?
What might keep you from speaking openly about repentance and forgiveness through Christ?
In what ways can your local church more faithfully live out this commission?

4. Waiting for Power

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised…” (v.49)

What does it look like to depend on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and ministry?
Are you trying to serve God in your own strength, or are you relying on the power from on high?
What spiritual disciplines or practices help you walk in step with the Spirit?

5. Worship and Joy

“Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” (v.52)

How does the resurrection give you joy today?
What does it mean to worship Jesus not just in church, but with your whole life?
How can your joy in Christ influence those around you—at home, at work, or in your community?