Luke 24

Luke 24:1-12

We have here glorious testimonies born to the resurrection of Jesus, 1. My true angels, to the women, who reported it to the apostles, viz. 1—12. 2. By Christ himself, to two of the disciples, as they went to Eunman, viz. 13—35. 3. He appears to the eleven disciples themselves, the same day at evening, viz. 36—48. 4. He extends into heaven, to the joy and praise of his disciples, whom he left behind, viz. 49—53.

1. 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 were there. 2. And they found the flour rolled away from the sepulchre. 3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout,

Mark 1st. Mark 2nd. Jun 1st. Aug 1st.

about, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5. 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? 6. He is not here, but is risen: remember ‘how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee. 7. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8. And ’they remembered his words, 9. And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10. 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. 11. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. 12. Then a- rope 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.

The Sabbath being ended, the good women who had prepared the spices to embalm the body, were early up, to vide the sepulchre; and, to their Surprise, found the stone rolled away from the door: and, to increase their perplexity, on entering the sepulchre, they found not the body. Whereupon we are told,

1. The glorious vision which appeared to them of two angels, whose presence at first greatly terrified them, and with deep respect they bowed their faces to the ground; but these heavenly messengers soon relieved them from their distress, with words of kindest confidation, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen; Jesus, your master, is no longer the prisoner of the grave; he lives, for ever lives, the conqueror of all his foes; remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee; it need not surprise them when he had so repeatedly forested the sufferings and death he must undergo from the hands of wicked men, and his resurrection which would follow: and on being reminded of this, they remembered the prediction which the angel mentioned. Note, We are strangely respectful of the great things which Jesus hath spoken, and need to have our memories often refreshed, that we may not let them dip.

2. The haste the women made to apprise the apostles, and the rest of the disciples, of what they had seen and heard. But, though the fact was asserted by the women, so slow of heart were they to believe, that they treated the report as idle tales, and believed them not; they imposed it to the power of imagination, and were so sunk in despair, and so totally unapprehensive of Christ’s resurrection, that they seem not to have the least expectation of it, nor the least remembrance of the assurances concerning his rising again, which he had so repeatedly given them.

3. Peter, roused by the report, resolved however to see for himself, and ran immediately to the sepulchre; and stooping down, saw the grave cloaths regularly folded up, and laid separate, but the body gone; whereupon he departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. Not having the least expectation of his master’s resurrection, he could not account for these strange circumstances. Had he remembered the words of Jesus, his wonder must have ceased.

4. ¶ And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threefcore furlongs. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. And it came to pass, that while they commanded together, and reasoned, ‘Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16. But their eyes were holden, that they should not know him. 17. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18. 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 there in their days? 19. And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, ‘which was a prophet’ mighty in creed and word before God and all the people’. 20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21. 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. 22. Yes, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, ‘which were early at the sepulchre: 23. 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. 24. 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. 25. Then he said unto them, O fools, and flow of heart; to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27. And beginning at Moses, and ‘all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28. And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29. But ’they constrained him, saying, Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30. And it came to pass as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32. 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? 33. And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and then that were with them. 34. Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and ‘hath appeared to Simon. 35. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

Luke 24:13-35

This passage just mentioned by Mark, is here more at large related. We have,

1. The discourse of two of the disciples as they walked to a village called Emmaus, about seven or eight miles from Jerusalem. Their business we are not told; perhaps despair had seized upon their hearts of ever again being their crucified master, and they were now returning homewards. And as they went, the melancholy events which had passed, were the subject of their conversation; together with the report which the women had spread of the resurrection of their Lord, on the probability of which they might be reasoning. Note, Godly conversation makes the most pleasing journey.

2. An unknown stranger, to appearance, joins them on the road, as they were in deep discourse; and walking with them, kindly enquiries what caused their melancholy looks and earnest conversation. They little thought who now was of their company; either their sight was miraculously affected, or their slowness eyes were never lifted up to look upon the person who had overtaken them. Note, (1) Where two of Christ’s disciples meet to talk about the things which appear to his kingdom and glory, he will be in the midst of them, instructing and comforting them. (2) The children of God are often, without reason, sad, and fear their case is desperate, which their salvation is most secure; but their eyes are hidden: through the weakness of their faith they cannot take the comfort which is offered them. (3) When we are sad and dependent, Sabbath increases the evil; whilst the converse of a gracious friend serves to alleviate our demons; and where we are fellow-occupers, by comparing our cases, we should seek to be mutual comforters.

3. In answer to his question, Cleopas replied, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and boyl not human the things which are come to pass there in their days? The city had vung of the horrid execution of Jesus, and Cleopas prelumes that no man who came from thence, could possibly be unacquainted with the transactions which had passed on that occasion.

4. When Christ still pretended ignorance of the things to which Cleopas alluded, in order to draw on farther discourse in answer to his question, Cleopas succinctly relates the past and present state of the affair. He begins with an account of his dear Lord and Master Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, a teacher come from God, who confirmed his divine mission by the heavenly doctrine he taught: and the miracles he wrought; was evidently approved of the Most High, who endured him with such mighty powers, and bore witness to him from heaven; and was for a while greatly careful and admired by the people, who in crowds attended his ministry. Him, at the instigation of the chief priests and rulers, the Roman governor had crucified, though confessedly innocent; the remembrance of which grievous scene deeply affected them: especially as they acknowledge themselves his disciples, and own their late Sanguism hopes, that this had been he, who should have redeemed Israel; the promised Messiah, the great prophet, whom Moses had had them expect. But, alas! their hopes were now almost buried in their Master’s grave: it was true indeed, he talked about rising on the third day, which was now drawing to a period, and certain strange reports had been spread by some women of their company, who had been that morning at the sepulchre to look after the body,

and allosified them with an account of having seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive, but they gave little credit to the report. Some of their men, however, hereupon ran to the tomb, and found the body gone, as the women had said, but saw nothing of the angels, or their Master, which rendered the matter very suspicious, and made them suppose the women mistaken; since if he was really arisen, they could not but conclude he would rather have notified it to his apostles than to them, so that on the whole they were deeply objected, and scarce entertained the least prospect of ever seeing him again.

5. The unknown traveller hereupon took up the discourse. He begins with a just rebuk or their folly and unbelief; O feels, and fear of heart is believed all that the prophets have spoken. Had ye reflected upon, and embraced the prophetic writings, you might as soon have entertained subpoenas about the rising of the sun, as the resurrection of Jesus: for ought not Christ to suffer their kings, according to the eternal counsels of God, the express declarations of his prophets, and for the honour of the divine justice, and to enter into his glory, the reward of his suffering and death? So far, therefore, from harbouring doubts because of the fact, that he could not be the Messiah, nor would ever rise again, what he endured was absolutely a proof of the reality of the character he assumed; and should have encouraged their build confidence, that as they had beheld his humiliation on the cross, they should also see his exaltation to the mediastinal dancer. Then beginning from the books of Moses, he proceeded through the prophets, expounding to them the types and prophecies which related to himself, and spoke of his sufferings, and the glory which should follow. Note, The Old Testament, as well as the New, is full of Christ. We never understand Moses and the prophets aright, unless we see him as the great object which they continually hold forth to us.

6. At last Christ discovers himself unto them. Drawing high to Emmaus, he made as if he would have ported company, and passed on farther; but they were too much channeled with his discourse to let him go, and therefore as the evening was advanced, they pressed him to stay; and at their importunate request he went in with them. And sitting down at table, with authority, as the master of the house, took bread, according to his usual manner, and craving the divine benediction, brake, and gave to them. Immediately their eyes were opened; they looked up, and discovered the well-known features of their crucified Master; when instantly he became invisible and withdrew, leaving them to reflect on what they had seen and heard. Note, (1.) They who wish for Christ’s company must solicit the favour; he loves the importunity of prayer. (2.) If we have called the satisfaction of communion with Jesus, like the spouse we shall hold him fast in the arms of faith and love, and desire never to let him go. (3.) Our meals must be launched by prayer and thanksgiving, and then they will serve to manifest food to our souls as well as our bodies. (4.) In the ways of his ordinances, the Lord opens the eyes of our faith, and enables us to behold his glory; he hath often done this made himself known to his people as the breaking of bread at his table. (5.) The visits of Jesus upon earth are transient; in heaven alone we can expect the uninterrupted beautiful vision.

7. The disciples could not help hereupon reflecting on the lively impressions the discourse of Jesus had made upon them in the way. On comparing, they found that both their hearts had glowed with holy fervour as he spoke; such irradiation dared on their minds, whilst he opened to them the scripture; such like and energy accompanied his discourse, that they cannot but marvel at their own stupidity not to have discovered him before; since none could have taught them with such demonization of the spirit and power, but he who spoke like an never man spoke before. Note, Nothing can warm the sinners to learn more than the preaching of a crucified Jesus, and his delightful name should be the continual subject of our discourse.

8. They immediately resolved to return, and carry the glad tidings to their brethren at Jerusalem. Not a moment was to be left; they knew by what themselves had felt how melancholy and disrelied their fellow-disciples were, and now they could bring them news that would warm their hearts, as it had fired their own. Accordingly, though it was evening, they halted back, and found opportunity the apostles assembled with the rest of the faithful; who, before they had power to speak, eagerly prevented them, saying, the Lord is often indeed, and hath appeared unto Simon; so that it is not a woman’s report merely, but a certain fact. The two disciples then corroborated the evidence with what had passed in the way, and the discovery which Jesus made of himself to them in breaking of bread, when they let down together to take some refreshment. Note, (1.) The gracious experiences which the Saviour gives us of his love, we should delight to communicate for the comfort and encouragement of our brethren. (2.) Nothing serves more to confirm the faith, and enliven the hopes of real charities, than comparing their observations, and the dealings of God with their souls. As iron Sharpneth iron, so doth such gracious communication mutually quicken and strengthen the heart.

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36. ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: I handle me, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have; 40. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, “Have ye here any meat? 42. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honey-comb. 43. And he took it, and did eat before them. 44. 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 plains concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scripture. 46. And laid unto them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47. And that repentance and remission of this should be prescribed in his name among all nations,” beginning at Jerusalem. 48. And ye are witnesses of these things. 49. ¶ And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endured with power from on high.

37. 36—40. This is the fifth appearance of Jesus the same day he wrote. Forth he was seen by Mary, John xx. 14. Then by the women, Mat. xxviii. 9. By Peter alone, 1 Cor. xv. 5. By the two disciples; and now by all who were assembled together.

38. He suddenly appeared in the midst of them, whilst they were talking over this glorious event, the resurrection of their Lord; and with most encouraging words of constellation, within them all peace and happiness. He mentions not one upheading word of their perfidy in forsaking him; of Peter’s profanesses and perjury in denying him; they had turned again, and he had sealed their pardon; the path, therefore, is not only forgiven, but forgotten, and he is come to share them of his unchangeable love.

39. They were terrified and affrighted at his presence, and supposed at first it was an apparition, or a spirit, that had assumed the form of Jesus. So surprised were they, that they forgot the proofs of his resurrection for a moment, on which they had been just discoursing.

40. He soon convinced them of the groundlessness of their fears, and their folly to be startled at his appearance, which should have been their greatest joy, Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Note, We often could ourselves needless disquiet, brooding over melancholy apprehensions, when perhaps the very distress we feel is a symptom for good; as the deep convictions of sin shew the spirit of God is at work with our hearts, and will shortly issue in peace and joy in believing. To remove, therefore their doubts.

(1.) He finds them examine him, and gain the fullest evidence to their senses. There were his hands and his feet, whose still the scars of the nails remained; those glorious scars in his victorious conflict over all the powers of darkness, their cremes, and his handle me, and joy, fatally yourselves fully in the certainty of my resurrection, and the identity of my body; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have, but is incorporeal, though it may appear under the resemblance of a human form. Accordingly he shewed them his hands, his feet, his side, that they might have the fullest conviction of his being the same Jesus; for bearing testimony to whose resurrection, they would afterwards be exposed to the most furious persecutions, and therefore it was needful that their own assurance of the fact should be put beyond a doubt.

(2.) He eats and drinks with them, to prove most fully to them, that he had really a living body like their own. The astonishment they were in, and the inexpressible joy they felt, quite overcame them; they were ready to believe, that what they saw and heard, was too great and too good news to be true, and could not yet credit the testimony of their own senses. To give them time to recover from this ecstasy, and confirm their faith, he let down with them, and did eat in their presence some broiled fish, and a piece of an honey-comb, which they gave him; so that they might be assured hereby he was no spectre.

(3.) He not only gave this conviction to their senses, but poured a flood of divine light upon their fouls. He refers them to his former discourse with them, concerning the things written in the law, the prophets, and plains, relative to his sufferings and glory, and by the powerful operations of his spirit he wonderfully brought all he had spoken to their memory, and

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opened the intent and meaning of the scriptures to their hearts with such evidence, clearness, and certainty, that they perceived the full accomplishment of all in him. Note, (1.) Our understandings are darkened, till Christ shines upon us as the fun of righteousness, and also by his spirit communicates the faculty of vision. (2.) The most enlightened mind hath daily need to cry, open thou mine eyes. (3.) The way in which Christ teaches is in and by the scriptures; we must look for no wisdom unto salvation out of the written word. Though, (4.) The plaintiff truths of God’s revealed will are never be spiritually discerned, till the Holy Ghost guides us into the sense and meaning of them.

(4.) He gives them instructions for the work in which they were now about to be employed. (1.) They were to be witnesses of his death and resurrection, proving from the scriptures the predictions concerning both, which were now accomplished in him; in consequence whereof, repentance and remotion must be preached by them in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. He being exalted at the right hand of God, in consequence of his sufferings, to bestow those inestimable blessings on as many as believed in his name; not of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also: and nothing could so powerfully influence and engage the hearts of sinners to return to God, as this free and full salvation preached to them in his name. They must begin at Jerusalem, which had been the chief scene of his life and sufferings; the oracles of God, to which they appealed, were in the hands of the Jews; there the facts were transacted, to the truth of which they might most confidently appeal; and there his murderers dwelt, who most especially needed to be called to repentance; and to many of whom he would signalize the riches of his grace, in pardoning and saving them. The gospel is grace abounding to the chief of sinners. (2.) He bids them wait a while at Jerusalem, and in a few days he would pour out upon them the Spirit from on high, which he had promised them, to qualify them for their arduous undertaking, and strengthen them in the discharge of it. His kingdom was to be established, not by human endeavours, but by divine energy; therefore the instruments were poor weak illiterate fishermen, and this the more magnified the effectual working of that mighty power which appeared in them. They were endowed with such wisdom as none of their adversaries could resist; with such courage, that no danger could dismay them; with such miraculous powers, as evidently spoke the finger of God; and were blessed with such amazing success, that in spite of all opposition, they were enabled to lay the foundations of that church, against which the gates of hell can never prevail.

50. ¶ And he led them out “as far as to Bethany; and he lift up his hands, and blessed them. 51. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, “he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52. “And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53. And “were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Luke 24:50-53

We have here the account of the ascension of Jesus into heaven, after he had forty days conversed with his disciples after his resurrection.

1. He gives them his parting benediction. He led them out as far as to Bethany, from whence he had made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, some few days before his death. And lifting up his hands, as the great high priest, Lev. ix. 22. he pronounced a blessing upon them.

2. He was parted from them just as he had finished his benediction, as Elijah from Elisha, and carried up into heaven; either by the ministry of angels, or his own divine power; making his triumphant entry into the glorious courts above, and sitting down on the mediatorial throne prepared for him as the reward of his sufferings. Note, Though dearest friends must now part, we follow Jesus to that kingdom where we shall part no more.

3. The disciples bowed down in adoration before him, as the very God, who though in his human nature removed out of sight, yet filled heaven and earth with his presence. Note, The incarnate Jesus justly claims the worship and service of all his faithful followers.

4. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Their sorrows now were banished, bright hope and burning love possessed every bosom, and they waited confidently expecting the fulfilment of the promise their Lord had given them; and were continually in the temple, at the stated hours of worship; perhaps, as some suggest, they took up their abode in one of the rooms which adjoined to it, through the favour of some Levite, who might be a disciple, Acts i. 14. praising and blessing God, joining the temple songs, and offering their joyful acknowledgments for all the wondrous mercies they had received, and for the promises of greater yet in store for them. Amen: May we in our blessing and praises seek to emulate these happy disciples, till we come to join the songs of eternity; and in the better temple, among the blessed, shall day and night for ever celebrate redressing love.

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