Tuesday, May 27 – Luke 24, John 20

1. What was the name of one of the travelers to Emmaus? (Luke 24:18).

2. What were the travelers’ hopes about Jesus? (Luke 24:21).

3. What were Jesus’ first words to His disciples after appearing to them? (Luke 24:36).

4. What did Jesus say to Thomas after he believed? (John 20:29).

5. Why did John write his Gospel? (John 20:31).

The resurrection narratives illustrate how the stone was not rolled away to let Jesus exit but rather to allow the witnesses to enter. Jesus, in His glorified body, could pass through walls (John 20:19). As at His birth, the angels now announce His resurrection, saying: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here” (Luke 24:5-6).

The women recalled His words and ran with joy. Their excitement was not that Jesus had survived the cross but that He had conquered death. Jesus was not just a survivor; He was the risen Savior. As Morrison writes, “Here is the Savior for the common man. The Lord who accepts the humble.”

On the evening of Resurrection Day, two disciples journeyed to Emmaus. Jesus joined them, but their eyes were miraculously restrained. Spurgeon wrote, “When two saints talk of Him, He comes and walks beside them.”
These disciples were slow to believe the reports of His resurrection. Jesus taught them from the Scriptures, and their hearts burned within them. As evening came, they urged Him, “Stay with us.” (Luke 24:29; The Desire of Ages, 741).

When He blessed the bread, they recognized Him through His voice, His manner, and the scars on His hands (DA 741.4). He vanished from their sight, and they immediately returned to Jerusalem to tell the others, now confirmed as witnesses.

In Jerusalem, while the disciples listened to the Emmaus report, Jesus appeared and said, “Peace be with you.” Although they were frightened, He showed them His hands and feet. He even ate in front of them to reassure them (DA 743–744).

Jesus then opened their understanding of the Scriptures, fulfilling Luke 24:45. Spurgeon notes: “He told them what to preach, where to preach, and even where to begin.”

He said they would preach repentance and forgiveness in His name, but they could not fulfill this mission until empowered from on high by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus continued to appear for over 40 days. When He ascended, His hands were raised in blessing (Luke 24:50). Morgan comments, “He stood as the High Priest blessing His people. So, He stands still today.”

His blessing isn’t just a wish; it’s a powerful and effective act. Spurgeon writes: “If He has blessed you, you are blessed indeed; no power in heaven or earth can reverse it.”
The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy, obeying Jesus, openly worshiping Him, and continually praising God. They transformed from fearful men into joyful, public witnesses. Morrison noted, “A little earlier they couldn’t believe for joy. Now they rejoice because they believe.”

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24)