Written By Lesallan – September 17, 2023
Luke 24:33-53 (ESV): Detailed Analysis
Written By Lesallan – September 17, 2023
Version: ESV
INITIAL OBSERVATIONS & QUESTIONS
• The two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus returned to Jerusalem and told the eleven and those with them what had happened (Luke 24:33-35, ESV).
o Why did they go back to Jerusalem after they had just left? How did they recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread?
• Jesus appeared to them while they were talking, showed them His hands and feet, and ate a piece of broiled fish in their presence (Luke 24:36-43, ESV).
o How did Jesus enter the room when the doors were locked (see John 20:19, ESV)? What was the purpose of showing them His wounds and eating food? How did they react to seeing Him?
• Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and explained how everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44-47, ESV).
o What Scriptures did Jesus refer to? How did He open their minds? What was the main message He wanted them to understand and proclaim?
• Jesus told them that they were witnesses of these things and that He would send them what His Father had promised, but they had to stay in the city until they were clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:48-49, ESV).
o What was the promise of the Father? What was the power from on high? How long did they have to wait for it?
• Jesus led them out to Bethany and blessed them, then He was lifted into heaven, and they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple blessing God (Luke 24:50-53, ESV).
o Why did Jesus choose Bethany as the place of His ascension? How did his blessing affect them? Why did they worship Him and have great joy? How did they express their devotion to God in the temple?
• What does it mean that Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures? How did He do that?
• Why did Jesus tell His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high? What was the significance of this power?
• How does the Ascension of Jesus relate to His resurrection and His return? What does it reveal about His authority and His mission?
STRUCTURE
The final section of the Gospel of Luke, Luke 24:33-53 (ESV), concludes the narrative of Jesus’ resurrection and appearances to His disciples while serving as a transition to the Book of Acts, which is the second volume of Luke’s work. This passage can be divided into three distinct parts, each with its own theme and purpose. Luke 24:33-43 (ESV) tells of Jesus appearing to the Eleven and their companions in Jerusalem, confirming His resurrection and identity as the Messiah. It also recalls the events of the Emmaus road, where Jesus explained how the scriptures pointed to His suffering and glory. Luke 24:44-49 (ESV) commissions the disciples as witnesses, summarizing the central message of Luke’s Gospel. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, the prophets, and the Psalms, and repentance and forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed in His name to all nations. This part prepares the readers for the mission of the church in Acts, where the disciples will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be sent to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Finally, Luke 24:50-53 (ESV) recounts the Ascension of Jesus and the worship of the disciples, marking the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and His exaltation to God’s right hand. It shows the joy and praise of the disciples who continue to worship in the temple and await the fulfillment of God’s promises. Luke’s purpose in structuring Luke 24:33-53 (ESV) in this way is to demonstrate that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of all people, invite readers to respond with faith and obedience, and connect his Gospel with his sequel, Acts.
An analysis of the structural relationships and divisions within Luke 24:33-53 (ESV) can be done based on the principles found in Bauer and Traina (2014). The passage can be divided into three main sections: Luke 24:33-43 (ESV), Luke 24:44-49 (ESV), and Luke 24:50-53 (ESV). The first section (Luke 24:33-43, ESV) describes how Jesus appeared to His disciples in Jerusalem and proved to them that He was alive. The relationship between Luke 24:33-35 (ESV) and Luke 24:36-43 (ESV) is one of contrast, as the disciples’ report of seeing Jesus on the road to Emmaus is contrasted with their fear and disbelief when they see Him in person. The relationship between Luke 24:36-40 (ESV) and Luke 24:41-43 (ESV) is a cause-and-effect one, as Jesus’ showing of His wounds causes the disciples to overcome their doubt and joyfully accept His presence, which leads to Him eating food in front of them as further proof of His physical reality.
The second section (Luke 24:44-49, ESV) explains how Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and commissioned them to be His witnesses to all nations. The relationship between Luke 24:44-45 (ESV) and Luke 24:46-47 (ESV) is one of means and end, as Jesus’ opening of their minds enables them to grasp the meaning and fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning Him, which is the basis for their proclamation of repentance and forgiveness in His name. The relationship between Luke 24:46-47 (ESV) and Luke 24:48-49 (ESV) is a general and specific one, as Jesus’ general statement of what the Scriptures say about Him is followed by His specific application of it to His disciples as witnesses who will receive power from the Holy Spirit.
The third section (Luke 24:50-53, ESV) narrates how Jesus led them out to Bethany and ascended into heaven, leaving them with His blessing and joy. The relationship between Luke 24:50-51 (ESV) and Luke 24:52-53 (ESV) is one of contrast, as Jesus’ departure from them is contrasted with their worship of Him and their return to Jerusalem with great joy. The relationship between Luke 24:52-53 (ESV) and the rest of the passage is a conclusion, as the disciples’ continual blessing of God in the temple marks the end of Luke’s Gospel and prepares for the beginning of Acts, where they will continue their witness in Jerusalem and beyond.
I. Jesus Appears to His Disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33-43, ESV).
A. The Report of the Emmaus Road Encounter (Luke 24:33-35, ESV).
B. The Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection (Luke 24:36-43, ESV).
C. Jesus Shows His Hands and Feet (Luke 24:36-40, ESV).
D. Jesus Eats a Piece of Fish (Luke 24:41-43, ESV).
II. Jesus Opens Their Minds to Understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-49, ESV).
A. The Fulfillment of the Scriptures Concerning Jesus (Luke 24:44-47, ESV).
B. The Commissioning of the Disciples as Witnesses (Luke 24:48-49, ESV).
III. Jesus Ascends into Heaven and Blesses His Disciples (Luke 24:50-53, ESV).
A. The Ascension of Jesus at Bethany (Luke 24:50-51, ESV).
B. The Worship and Joy of the Disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:52-53, ESV).
WORDS & PHRASES
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45, ESV).
What does it mean that Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures?
It means that Jesus gave them the ability and insight to comprehend the meaning and fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures concerning himself, His death and resurrection, and His mission.
How was this phrase translated initially from Greek?
The Greek word for “opened” is διανοίγω (dianoigō), which means to open up completely, to disclose, or to explain. The Greek word for “minds” is νοῦς (nous), which means the faculty of understanding, reasoning, or intellect. The Greek word for “understand” is συνίημι (syniēmi), which means to put together, to comprehend, or to perceive. The Greek word for “Scriptures” is γραφή (graphē), which means a writing, a document, or a holy Writ (Strong, 1890). Therefore, this phrase implies that Jesus revealed to them the hidden and profound truths of God’s word that they could not grasp by their own natural abilities, but only by His supernatural illumination.
“witnesses” (Luke 24:48, ESV).
What does it mean that the disciples were witnesses of Jesus?
It means that Jesus chose and authorized the disciples to testify to what they had seen and heard of Him, His life, death, resurrection, and teachings.
What is the original Greek meaning of the word witness?
The Greek word for “witnesses” is μάρτυρες (martyres), which means those who have personal knowledge of something and can give evidence or confirmation (Strong, 1890). Therefore, this word implies that the disciples had a firsthand and reliable experience of Jesus and had a responsibility and a privilege to share it with others.
“The promise of my Father” (Luke 24:49, ESV).
What does it mean that Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the promise of his Father?
It means that Jesus identified the Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour His Spirit on all flesh in the last days, as Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and other prophets prophesied.
What are the original meanings of the words found in this phrase?
The Greek word for “promise” is ἐπαγγελία (epangelia), which means an announcement, an offer, or a pledge. The Greek word for “Father” is πατήρ (patēr), which means a male parent, an ancestor, or a source (Strong, 1890). Therefore, this phrase implies that Jesus acknowledged His Father as the origin and giver of the Holy Spirit and assured his disciples that they would receive the gift of the Spirit as God had promised.
“was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:51, ESV).
What does it mean that Jesus was carried up into heaven?
It means that Jesus was lifted from the earth and ascended into the sky, where He entered God’s presence and glory.
What are the original meanings of the Greek words found in this phrase (Luke 24:51, ESV)?
The Greek word for “carried up” is ἀνεφέρετο (anephereto), which means to bring or take up, to offer up, or to ascend. The Greek word for “heaven” is οὐρανός (ouranos), which means the sky, the atmosphere, or the abode of God (Strong, 1890). Therefore, this phrase implies that Jesus completed His earthly ministry and returned to His heavenly throne, where He intercedes for us and reigns as Lord.
“worshiped” (Luke 24:52, ESV).
What does it mean that the disciples worshiped Jesus?
It means the disciples expressed reverence, honor, and devotion to Jesus as their Lord and God.
What is the Greek meaning of the word worshiped (Luke 24:52, ESV)?
The Greek word for “worshiped” is προσκυνέω (proskyneō), which means to kiss toward someone, to kneel or bow down before someone, or to adore someone (Strong, 1890). This word can be used to show respect to a human superior or to revere someone like God. In this context, Luke seems to mean that the disciples worshiped Jesus as God, since they recognized Him as the risen Christ who had ascended into heaven. This meaning is supported by other passages in Luke’s Gospel where this word is used only for God or Jesus (Luke 4:8; 17:16; 18:13; 24:52, ESV). Therefore, this word implies that the disciples acknowledged Jesus’ divine nature and authority and loved Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
SUMMARY, CORRELATION, & APPLICATION
Jesus is alive, has fulfilled the Scriptures, and has sent his disciples to be his witnesses with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This point arises from Luke 24:33-53 (ESV) because the passage shows how Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples after His resurrection and confirmed that He was the Messiah who had to suffer and rise again according to the Scriptures. He also instructed them to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations and promised to send them the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses. He then ascended into heaven and blessed them, and they worshiped Him and rejoiced in God. The passage demonstrates that Jesus is alive, has fulfilled the Scriptures, and has sent His disciples to be His witnesses with the power of the Holy Spirit. The appearance of Jesus to His disciples after his resurrection is also recorded in the other Gospels, such as Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-18, and John 20:19-29 (ESV). These accounts complement each other and provide different details and perspectives on the same event.
The proof of Jesus’ resurrection by showing His hands and feet and eating a piece of fish is also mentioned in John 20:20 and Acts 10:41(ESV). These verses confirm that Jesus rose from the dead with a physical body that could be touched and seen, and that He was not a ghost or a hallucination.
The opening of the disciples’ minds to understand the Scriptures is also echoed in John 20:9 and Acts 17:2-3 (ESV). These verses show that Jesus and His apostles used the Old Testament Scriptures to explain and prove that Jesus was the Messiah who had to suffer and rise again.
The commissioning of the disciples as witnesses to all nations is also found in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, and Acts 1:8 (ESV). These verses reveal that Jesus gave his disciples a global mission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey His commands, and that He promised to be with them continually and to empower them with the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension of Jesus into heaven is also reported in Mark 16:19, Acts 1:9-11, and Ephesians 4:8-10 (ESV). These verses describe how Jesus was lifted up into heaven and seated at the right hand of God, where He reigns as Lord and gives gifts to His church, and how He will come back again in the same way as He left.
Luke 24:33-53 (ESV), interpreted within its canonical context, should be applied to me personally, local churches, local denominations, and the church as a whole in the following ways. This passage reminds me that Jesus is alive and has fulfilled the Scriptures. Therefore, I should trust in Him as my Lord and Savior, and study His word to know Him better and to grow in faith and obedience. I should also share the good news of His death and resurrection with others, and invite them to repent and believe in Him.
This passage also teaches me that Jesus has promised to send me the Holy Spirit, who will empower me to be His witness. Therefore, I should pray for the Spirit’s guidance and gifts, and rely on His strength and wisdom to serve God and His people. I should also seek to be filled with the Spirit and walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
This passage also encourages me that Jesus has blessed me and that He will come back again. Therefore, I should worship Him with joy and gratitude and live in hope and expectation of His return. I should also seek to please Him in everything I do and store treasures in heaven, not on earth.
This passage also challenges me to be part of a local church or denomination that is faithful to Jesus and His mission. Therefore, I should join a community of believers who love God and one another, study the Scriptures and obey them, pray and worship together, serve and edify each other, and reach out and make disciples of all nations. I should also support and cooperate with other churches or denominations that share the same vision and values, and avoid division and conflict over secondary issues.
This passage also inspires me to be part of the church as a whole, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I should recognize that I belong to a global family of God that transcends culture, race, language, and time. I should also celebrate the diversity and unity of the church, and pray for its growth and maturity. I should also honor the headship and lordship of Christ over the church, and submit to His authority and will.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
• What is the significance of the disciples recognizing Jesus in breaking the bread?
• How does Jesus’ appearance and conversation with the disciples impact my understanding of His resurrection?
• How does Jesus’ explanation of the Scriptures influence my understanding of the Old Testament’s relationship to Christ?
• What is the significance of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven for me personally and the Christian faith?
• How does this passage shape my understanding of joy and worship?
References:
Bauer, D. R., & Traina, R. A. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
Strong, J. (1890). Strong’s Concordance. Retrieved from www.kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/strongs-concordance/
