On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee go to his tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. When they arrive, they find that the stone has been rolled away. Entering the tomb, they do not find the body of Jesus. As they are wondering what happened, two men in dazzling clothes suddenly stand beside them. The women are terrified and bow their faces to the ground, but the men say, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you while he was in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day." The women then remember Jesus’ words.
They return from the tomb and report everything to the eleven disciples and the others. The women include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, along with others. However, their words seem like nonsense to the disciples, and they do not believe them. But Peter gets up and runs to the tomb. Bending down, he sees only the linen cloths and leaves, wondering what has happened.
That same day, two of Jesus’ followers are traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They are discussing all that has taken place when Jesus himself comes near and walks with them, but they do not recognize him. He asks them, "What are you talking about as you walk?" They stop, looking sad. One of them, Cleopas, replies, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there these days?" Jesus asks, "What things?" They tell him about Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet mighty in word and deed before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and rulers condemned him to death and crucified him. They had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel. They also explain how some women of their group went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty, and how angels had appeared to them, saying he was alive.
Jesus responds, "Foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explains to them what is written in the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approach Emmaus, Jesus acts as though he will continue on, but they urge him to stay, saying, "Stay with us, for it is evening and the day is almost over." He goes in with them. As he sits at the table, he takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Their eyes are suddenly opened, and they recognize him, but he vanishes from their sight. They say to each other, "Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he spoke to us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" They immediately get up and return to Jerusalem. There they find the eleven disciples and others gathered together, who tell them, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" The two then recount what happened on the road and how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
As they are speaking, Jesus himself appears among them and says, "Peace be with you." They are startled and afraid, thinking they are seeing a spirit. But Jesus says, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet. It is really me. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." He then shows them his hands and feet. While they are still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, he asks, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They give him a piece of broiled fish, and he eats it in front of them.
Jesus then says, "These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled." He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures and tells them, "It is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you, but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
Jesus then leads them out to Bethany. He lifts up his hands and blesses them. While he is blessing them, he is taken up into heaven. They worship him and return to Jerusalem with great joy. They are continually in the temple, praising God.
Luke 24 is a powerful conclusion to the Gospel, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the commissioning of his disciples. The empty tomb, the encounter on the road to Emmaus, and Jesus’ appearance to his followers all confirm that he is truly alive. His final instructions highlight the mission of spreading the message of repentance and forgiveness to all nations, a mission that will begin in Jerusalem and extend to the world. The ascension of Jesus is a moment of triumph, leaving his disciples filled with joy and devotion, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of his promise.