Day 95, Luke 24
The final chapter of Luke’s gospel must be read with his purpose in writing in mind. Luke is compiling a carefully researched account (as he tells us at the start of his gospel) and he will continue his history in a second document, which we call the Acts of the Apostles. We will turn to that shortly.
Luke’s thorough compilation gives us plenty of details that Matthew and Mark did not, but this difference between eye-witness testimonies adds to the veracity of these writings. It is fashionable to discard scriptures that disagree, but this places the reader in authority over the writer. Instead, we need to have an Emmaus approach to scripture, allowing Jesus to open our eyes and hearts to the full revelation of Himself in the writings. This is what Luke describes in the middle of this chapter, both in the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and in the appearance to the gathering in the upper room.
Doctor Luke takes care to record the medical details of the resurrection: this is a totally new kind of body, recognizably the same as the one which was tortured and crucified, yet able to appear in locked rooms and disappear from meal tables!
Luke’s version of Jesus’ commission to the disciples is a little different from those of Matthew and Mark, but not inconsistent. The basic principles are the same although the wording is slightly different.
And then this risen Jesus rises into the air and disappears! It’s such a transformation for the disciples: they return to Jerusalem and worship in the Temple every day for joy.
What will joy at Jesus’ victory enable you to do today?
Have a great day!
Mark.