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Luke 24

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

And they remembered his words,

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

And he took it, and did eat before them.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

What does Luke 24:15 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Luke recounts an event that took place on the road to Emmaus, a village near Jerusalem, on the day of Jesus' resurrection.

Two of his followers were traveling together, deeply engrossed in conversation about the recent events concerning Jesus' death and the empty tomb.

As they discussed these matters, Jesus himself, whom they did not recognize at the time, approached and walked alongside them.

The verse captures a moment of deep revelation and intimacy, as the risen Christ initiates a conversation with his followers, which will eventually lead to their spiritual enlightenment and recognition of his resurrection.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 24:15 occurs within the broader narrative of Jesus' resurrection appearances.

The context is the first Easter Sunday, with the followers of Jesus confused and mourning his death, which had occurred three days prior.

It was a time of social and political unrest within Judean society under Roman occupation.

The followers of Jesus, being Jewish, were also dealing with the complexities of their religious expectations of a Messiah.

They had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel, but his death had seemingly dashed those hopes until reports of the empty tomb arose.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the doctrine of the resurrected Christ and his intimate relationship with his followers.

This narrative showcases the reality of Jesus' physical resurrection, which is central to Christian faith.

The event implies that Jesus physically rose from the dead and could engage with people as he had before his crucifixion.

It also suggests a spiritual truth, where Jesus can be present with believers in ways they may not immediately perceive.

Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects of this event.

Protestant theology might focus on the importance of scriptural understanding, as Jesus later explains the scriptures to the travelers.

Catholic and Orthodox perspectives could highlight the sacramental elements, seeing a prefiguration of the Eucharist in the breaking of bread that follows in the wider story.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of this verse are manifold. It encourages believers to be aware of Jesus' presence in their everyday lives, even when it is not immediately apparent.

Christians are reminded to engage with the scriptures deeply and to be open to moments of revelation. It also implies the value of fellowship and dialogue, as it was through their conversation and reasoning that Jesus approached the travelers.

Cross-References

Luke 24:31-32: "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight."
John 20:14-16: "And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus."
Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Language Study

Two key Greek words in this verse are συζητέω (syzēteō), meaning "to discuss or dispute," and ἐγγίζω (egginzō), meaning "to draw near or approach." These words emphasize the nature of the disciples' intense discussion and Jesus' deliberate act of coming close to them.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This narrative may be compared to ancient myths where gods disguise themselves to interact with humans, such as in Greek mythology.

However, unlike the capricious deities of myth, the Christian interpretation is that Jesus reveals himself to impart wisdom and hope.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not detail any natural phenomena that invite direct scientific interrogation.

However, the concept of recognition and not recognizing Jesus could invite psychological analysis regarding perception and the factors that influence it.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this passage.

Some emphasize the theme of recognition and how spiritual blindness can be lifted. Others discuss the literary elements, like the journey motif as a representation of the spiritual journey from despair to hope.

Many agree that this passage affirms the resurrection and reassures believers that Jesus is present with them, even in times of doubt and confusion.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 24:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?