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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 24:17 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 24:17 appears in the story of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance on the road to Emmaus.

Jesus encounters two of His followers walking away from Jerusalem, discussing the events of His crucifixion and reported resurrection.

These disciples are in a state of sadness and confusion about what had happened to Jesus, whom they had hoped was the one to redeem Israel.

Jesus Himself approaches them, although they are prevented from recognizing Him.

In this verse, He inquires about their conversation, noticing their sorrowful demeanor.

The literal meaning involves Jesus asking for an account of their discussion, but at a deeper level, this demonstrates Jesus' engagement with His followers in their despair, and His incitiveness to reveal truth and offer comfort.

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Historical Context

The events of this passage occur during a critical time in early Christian history: shortly after the crucifixion and reported resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The road to Emmaus story takes place on the same day as the women discover the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12).

It reflects the confusion and mixed feelings among Jesus' followers.

Culturally, the followers of Jesus were Jews who had been awaiting the coming of the Messiah, and Jesus' death posed a significant challenge to their understanding of Messiahship.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse illustrates Jesus' messianic role as one who fulfills and transcends Old Testament expectations.

It highlights His compassion in engaging with human sorrow and confusion, and His role as a teacher who elucidates Scripture.

Different viewpoints may focus on the nature of Jesus' post-resurrection body, as well as the spiritual blindness that prevented the disciples from recognizing Him immediately, relaying a message that spiritual insight is a gift.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage individuals to seek support and answers in times of confusion and despair, suggesting that Jesus is attentive to human emotions and questions.

It also implies that in moments of doubt, one should remain open to insights that may arise from unexpected sources, such as strangers or new interpretations of familiar texts.

Cross-References

Luke 24:13-35 - The broader narrative of the road to Emmaus, providing context for Jesus' interaction with the two disciples.
Mark 16:12-13 - Another account implying that Jesus appeared in a different form after his resurrection.
John 20:14-16 - Where Mary Magdalene does not initially recognize the resurrected Jesus, similar to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Luke 24:31 - The moment when the disciples' eyes are opened, and they do recognize Jesus.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms include:

"Communications" translates from "λόγοι" (logoi), traditionally meaning words, sayings, or accounts.
"Sad" comes from "σκυθρωποί" (skuthropoi), implying gloomy or downcast, reflecting the disciples' disposition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the story of a deity disguising themselves among mortals is a motif seen in various ancient myths.

In the Greek tradition, gods would sometimes test the hospitality of humans by appearing in disguise.

The motif in Luke's narrative, however, emphasizes God's desire to comfort and guide rather than to test.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific viewpoints might explore the psychological aspects of grief and the human inclination to find meaning in events. Recognition and memory could also be discussed here, offering insight into why the disciples did not immediately recognize Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often discuss the symbolic nature of the disciples' inability to recognize Jesus, seeing it as a metaphor for spiritual blindness or lack of understanding.

Many agree that Jesus' question invites the disciples to share their experiences, setting the stage for deeper revelation and teaching that will ultimately lead to their recognition of Him as the resurrected Christ.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:17 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 24:17 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?