Luke Chapter 24 brings the Gospel of Luke from the darkness of the tomb to the glory of the resurrection. In Luke Ch23, Jesus was crucified, the innocent King died for sinners, and His body was laid in the tomb. Now in Luke 24, the tomb is empty, the Scriptures are opened, the disciples are strengthened, and the risen Christ ascends in blessing. For more on the crucifixion and burial, see this point further in Luke Ch23.

The chapter begins early on the first day of the week. The women come to the tomb with spices, expecting to care for a dead body. But they find the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus gone. Two men in dazzling apparel ask, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”

That question is the turning point. Jesus is not one more dead religious teacher. He is the living Lord. From a Christian Reformed lens, the resurrection is not a vague symbol of hope. It is the Father’s vindication of the Son, the proof that the sacrifice was accepted, and the victory of Christ over sin, death, and the grave.

The angels remind the women that Jesus had already told them this would happen. The Son of Man had to be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day. That “had to” matters. The cross and resurrection were not accidental. They were the certain plan of God. Christ died and rose according to the Scriptures.

The women return and tell the apostles, but their words seem like an idle tale. Even the disciples are slow to believe. This is comforting in a strange way. The resurrection was not invented by people who were expecting it and trying to create a movement. They were confused, grieving, and slow. Grace met them before they fully understood.

Then Luke tells us about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are walking away from Jerusalem, talking about everything that happened. Jesus Himself draws near, but their eyes are kept from recognizing Him. He asks what they are discussing, and they explain their disappointment. They had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel.

Jesus then rebukes them for being slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. He says, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interprets to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

This is one of the most important moments in Luke. Jesus teaches that the whole Bible is centered on Him. The Old Testament is not just a collection of moral stories or religious history. It points to Christ: His suffering, His glory, His kingdom, and His redemption. The risen Jesus opens the Word so His people can see Him clearly.

This connects with John Ch20, where John says these things were written so that we may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name. See this point further in John Ch20.

At the table, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Then their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. He vanishes from their sight, and they say, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

That is what we need. Not religious excitement without truth, and not cold study without Christ. We need the risen Lord to open the Scriptures and make our hearts alive to Him.

Jesus then appears to the gathered disciples. They are startled and afraid, but He gives them peace. He shows them His hands and feet and eats in front of them. Luke wants us to understand that the resurrection is bodily and real. Jesus is not a ghost, idea, or memory. The same Jesus who was crucified has truly risen.

Then He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures. He shows that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. The message is clear: Christ suffered, rose from the dead, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed in His name to all nations.

This connects with Matthew Ch24, where Jesus says the Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world. See this point further in Matthew Ch24.

Luke ends with Jesus leading His disciples out to Bethany. He lifts up His hands and blesses them. While blessing them, He is carried up into heaven. The disciples worship Him and return to Jerusalem with great joy.

That ending is beautiful. Luke begins with waiting and longing, and ends with worship and joy. The risen Christ ascends, but He does not abandon His people. He blesses them, sends them, and promises power from on high.

Luke Chapter 24 shows us that Christ is alive, the Scriptures are true, and the mission is clear.

The tomb is empty.

The angels announce His resurrection.

The risen Christ opens the Scriptures.

The disciples recognize Him in the breaking of bread.

He gives peace to fearful hearts.

He sends repentance and forgiveness to the nations.

And He ascends in blessing.

The Christian faith rests on the crucified and risen Jesus.

He is not among the dead.

He is alive.

And all Scripture finds its center in Him.