Luke 24:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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."

NIV: Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus."

NASB: And so some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.'

CSB: Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him."

NLT: Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And certain 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.”

Mary Magdalene had been at Jesus' cross, at His death, and at His grave when Joseph of Arimathea rolled the stone over the entrance. At first light on Sunday, she and several other women went to add to the aromatics Nicodemus had wrapped around Jesus' body. When the women arrived, the stone had been rolled away and Jesus' body was gone (John 19:25, 38–42; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 24:1, 10).

Mary immediately ran off to tell Peter and John (John 20:2). Peter and John rushed to the site: John arrived first, but Peter was first to enter the tomb. Mary was right. The tomb was empty. The men returned to the room where the other disciples were waiting (John 20:3–10).

Cleopas and his friend had been in that room with the other male disciples. They heard Peter and John corroborate the women's account that the tomb was empty. They also heard the women say they had met an angel who told them Jesus had risen from the dead (Luke 24:22–23). They believe Peter and John's claim that the tomb is empty. They don't believe the women that He is raised from the dead. Confused, Cleopas and his friend left Jerusalem and headed for the village of Emmaus.

Along their way, they met another traveler. At His request, Cleopas told the story of Jesus' crucifixion and the shockingly empty tomb. The traveler proceeds to explain that all of this had to happen. Jesus had to "suffer these things and enter into his glory" (Luke 24:26). The Old Testament prophets predicted it (Luke 24:27).

The two men listen to the traveler until they reach Emmaus, then invite Him to eat with them. When the traveler breaks the bread, blesses it, and disappears, they realize they've been talking to Jesus all along (Luke 24:28–32).

Luke 24:13–27 contains a meeting between Jesus and two disciples, along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They don't recognize Him. Yet He lets them explain what they've experienced the last three days. When they finish, He points out their foolishness and shows them how the crucifixion and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament. When they invite Jesus for a meal, He reveals Himself and disappears. The two men return to Jerusalem to tell the larger group of disciples (Luke 24:28–35). Mark 16:12–13 gives a synopsis, but are likely not part of the original manuscript of Mark.

After Jesus is executed and buried (Luke 23:52–53), the women who had followed Him from Galilee come to improve His burial condition. They find an open, empty tomb and angels. The disciples are informed. Two of them spend time speaking with a stranger while walking, only to realize it was Jesus Himself. Jesus appears to His followers, eating fish and explaining how His role as Messiah was predicted in Scripture. Jesus then ascends to heaven while His disciples worship.

Luke 24 describes how Jesus' followers learned of His resurrection. Luke 23 recorded His legal trials, crucifixion, death, and burial. Acts chapter 1, also written by Luke, explains how Jesus' followers prepare for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church. Luke 24's theme is the fulfillment of prophecy from Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. Once Jesus' followers understand, He returns to heaven. Matthew 28 includes how the Sanhedrin bribed the guards. John chapter 20 adds Thomas coming to believe while chapter 21 records Peter's reconciliation with Jesus.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.