Day 30: Luke 24
Any event recounted by multiple people today would contain different details of what happened. Here, too, we see some different details from Luke’s account of the resurrection. But the grieving walk to the tomb, the surprising emptiness, and the life-changing appearances of Jesus himself are as evident here as they were in yesterday’s reading.
Luke also includes a few additional pieces of information about what Jesus did after his resurrection, one of which is the story of the two men on the road to Emmaus. Jesus, unrecognized by the men, walked with them for some time and pretended not to know what had been going on in Jerusalem. After the men explained the situation, Jesus responded in an unexpected way: “‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (vv. 25-27). Jesus knew that these Jewish men would have been very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, and he expected them to recognize from those Scriptures that the Messiah would suffer and be raised from the dead (see also v. 46, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).
This passage points to a continuing truth: all of Scripture points toward Jesus, to the glory of God. From beginning to end, this story of Creation-Rebellion-Redemption-Restoration explains the need for, the work of, our life in, and the glory of Jesus Christ. He echoed this once more to his disciples: “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (v. 44). But the text continues that “he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (v. 45). The glory of God is revealed in his Word, but he also works in our hearts to enable us to see this glory (see Days 20 and 22). And then, 40 days after his resurrection, with a final commission to be witnesses of these things, Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving his disciples worshiping and praising God.
Questions for reflection and discussion: What new details of the resurrection stuck out to you in today’s reading? In what ways have you seen all of Scripture point to the person and work of Jesus? Have you asked God to open your heart so that you can understand the Scriptures?
This passage points to a continuing truth: all of Scripture points toward Jesus, to the glory of God. From beginning to end, this story of Creation-Rebellion-Redemption-Restoration explains the need for, the work of, our life in, and the glory of Jesus Christ. He echoed this once more to his disciples: “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (v. 44). But the text continues that “he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (v. 45). The glory of God is revealed in his Word, but he also works in our hearts to enable us to see this glory (see Days 20 and 22). And then, 40 days after his resurrection, with a final commission to be witnesses of these things, Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving his disciples worshiping and praising God.
Questions for reflection and discussion: What new details of the resurrection stuck out to you in today’s reading? In what ways have you seen all of Scripture point to the person and work of Jesus? Have you asked God to open your heart so that you can understand the Scriptures?
