Luke 24
by Pastor Mark Hudson
This chapter clarifies the difference between narratives in the gospel and didactic teaching in the epistles. In this chapter, vs. 1-12 describes the followers of Christ discovering the empty tomb. In just 12 verses! The resurrection is the most life changing event in the history of human life. The resurrection is the most glorious event in the Bible. For without the resurrection, there is no Christianity. If Christ is not raised, we are still in our sin and those of us teaching and preaching the gospel are misrepresenting God (I Cor 15:13ff). And yet, we learn these truths from the apostles not the brief narratives of the gospels.
We are not claiming there is no teaching in the gospels which would be untrue. But we need the apostles who were instructed by the Holy Spirit to bring out the ramifications of the resurrection. The account is so terse, to the point, and while the content is out-of-this-world, the style of the gospel writers is rather straightforward. This account almost conceals the majestic truth of what God through the Holy Spirit did: He raised Christ from the dead.
Notice the “must” be in v. 7, the “necessary” in v. 26, and the “must be” of v. 44. This is all predestined, ordained, or ordered by the God of the universe. Nothing is left to chance. Yet, at this early part of the last chapter in Luke, the disciples still do not believe. In verses 13-35, this is a favorite section of the New testament for many. There is so much to take note of so we will limit ourselves to the great grief these two are experiencing. They stop walking after hearing Jesus first question. Jesus offers us insight into understanding someone: ask questions. Jesus ever repeats the words they use when he repeats “things” in v. 19. They are leaving Jerusalem because they thought Jesus was not who He claimed to be.
To discuss in v. 15 can be translated as “to seek, ask, or inquire with another; to deliberate, debate, or to investigate jointly.” So, it seems they were rehashing the recent events. The tension may have been rising. But they were leaving Jerusalem possibly to return home and the movement is away from Jerusalem. A bit like Peter who returned to fishing (John 21:3). Jesus, by a few questions, open their hearts, and unveils their heavy hearts. What a Master with people! He already knows but simply asks questions. His questions are so good, they stop walking. Jesus does not insert Himself into their conversation until the disciples are primed and ready. How wise for us to ask questions first before we unload our truth on top of someone.
Now many people will say, “How I would love to hear what Jesus told them in vs. 25-27.” But you already have the content of his teaching. It is called the New Testament or more specifically, the Epistles. If you are a reader, student, or listen to Biblical sermons, you hear this content weekly and read it as often as you read the New Testament.
One of the reasons we must teach faithfully from the Bible is because Christ taught his 12 (and other) students and followers. Then the Holy Spirit breathed out God’s Word into the New Testament. There is a direct line from God the Father to God the Son. Then the Holy Spirit, God the Spirit, breathes out God’s Word to the authors of the New Testament. We have all we need in those books. Not one word is man’s word alone. Not one more word is needed, and the Bible does not need more revelation. When we read the New Testament, we are reading words from God.
Hurrying ahead to vs. 36-53, these are no less important. How do we understand Christ’s resurrection body? Oh my, what a mystery. He has flesh and bones and yet can “vanish from their sight” (24:31). He can even eat food (v. 43). Jesus is comforting them by His presence, but He will soon be gone (v. 51). He is still teaching them, equipping them by directing them to stay in the city until the power of the Holy Spirit clothes them (v. 49).
In vs. 44ff, Jesus repeats the heart of the gospel. Remember, He is not speaking idle words. He is entrusting to them the gospel (I Thess. 2:4). The gospel is what God foretold and Christ fulfilled (v. 44). The gospel is what surrounded the cross and resurrection (and ascension) v. 46. The gospel is also proclaiming and preaching to Jerusalem first and then to the nations. Here we see the obligations of missions from the lips of Christ. Jesus obligates them – “You are witnesses of these things.” Not everyone has seen what you have and so you have an obligation to tell others.
Finally, the last thing Jesus does before His ascension is to bless the disciples. He is loving them, comforting, teaching, and blessing them up the last minutes of His time on earth. No wonder they hated to see Him go. He was so loving, concerned, and compassionate toward them. No one would or could take His place. Yet the Holy Spirit continued His work and was able to accomplish work Christ could not do as a human being with a physical body. Now the gospel is growing and expanding in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. All because of God’s gracious plan of the gospel.
Dear loving and holy Father, we love the truth of Your Word. Your Word gives us light and liberty. How we pray that everyone would know the joy that comes from knowing the One eternal God. How we rejoice in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We pray that the truth of the gospel would reach Your chosen in every nation and speaking in every tongue. We pray for the success of the gospel. We also pray that our church would build a growing mission movement for the glory of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.