Luke 24:13-53 Jesus' Resurrection Appearances and Ascension

October 2, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible

CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come. 

Jesus’ followers were conflicted and confused. The previous Sunday, Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem as crowds praised him. On Friday, the Jewish leaders, together with the Roman authorities, had put Jesus on the cross and watched him die. But now his body was no longer in the tomb, and some of the women had been told by angels that Jesus was alive. Still, the disciples refused to believe it. And an empty tomb doesn’t necessarily prove that someone who was dead has come back to life.

On the same day the women discovered that Jesus’ body was gone, two followers were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. One was named Cleopas. The other person with him may have been his wife. As they walked and discussed what had happened over the last few days, Jesus “himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16). 

Jesus asked what they were talking about. They stopped, and their sadness was apparent. Cleopas was a bit sharp in his answer. He said, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 23:18). Jesus played along, asking, “What things?” (Luke 23:19). They explained: 

Luke 24:19–24

Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.

Jesus responded, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25–26). Jesus was not insulting his followers; he was exposing their failure to understand the Old Testament, which had clearly foretold his suffering (e.g., Isaiah 53). Then Jesus, beginning with Genesis and moving through the Old Testament, “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). How extraordinary it would have been to hear him explain God’s plan for humanity’s redemption as they continued their journey! 

The disciples reached their home and urged Jesus to stay with them. When he was “at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:30–31). Later, they expressed their amazement from this encounter with Jesus: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). 

The two disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and told the apostles and everyone with them what had happened. As they were talking, “Jesus himself stood among them” (Luke 24:36). To the startled and frightened disciples, Jesus said, “‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet” (Luke 24:38–40). 

Even after seeing Jesus, they were still in disbelief and wonder. Then he took a piece of broiled fish and ate it to show that he was not just a spirit but truly the resurrected Lord (Luke 24:41–43). Jesus reminded the disciples that he had told them about his suffering and resurrection while he was with them. “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:44–45). His followers had witnessed all that Jesus said and did. Now they were to take his message of “repentance and forgiveness of sins” to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 

But something very important had to happen before the disciples were ready. Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). We will consider what this “power from on high” looked like when we study Luke’s second volume, the Acts of the Apostles. 

At this point, Jesus led the apostles and the rest of his followers, about 120 people, to an area near Bethany. There he blessed them and “parted from them and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:51).

Luke tells us that after the ascension, Jesus’ followers “returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God” (Luke 24:52–53). They must have been sad to see Jesus leave them, so why was there great joy? Because the ascension raised Jesus to his rightful throne in the universe, where he rules as King. At last, the disciples understood that Jesus was truly the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Now they waited in Jerusalem for Jesus to pour out his power from on high. And that’s exactly where Luke begins part two of his orderly account about Jesus. 

Be sure to continue with us as we explore the book of Acts. In our 40-day study, we will see the Holy Spirit ignite the flame for the beginning of Christ’s church. I encourage you to invite a friend to join us.

Read and reflect on Luke 24:13–53: Jesus met the two disciples as they were on their way to Emmaus and opened the Scriptures to help them see him more clearly. When you read the Bible, are you primarily looking for information, or are you asking God to help you see Jesus and know him more deeply?

Talking to God: Ask God to move your heart to burn within you when you read his Word. 

Have Questions? 
Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us help you take the next step.

THE LIVING GROUNDED YOUTUBE CHANNEL
I invite you to visit the Living Grounded YouTube channel, where we share conversations to help you stay rooted and encouraged in your faith. Check out all our podcasts on the [Living Grounded YouTube Channel]. 

Be sure to subscribe—the more subscribers we have, the broader our reach.