Lesson 31

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

The Empty Tomb (24:1-12)

On the Way to Emmaus (24:13-35)

Appearance to the Disciples (24:36-43)

Opening the Disciples’ Understanding (24:44-49)

The Ascension (24:50-53)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

Risen, perplexed, remember, did not believe, marveling, eyes were restrained, Prophet mighty in deed and word, suffer, glory, expounded, Scriptures, eyes were opened, must be fulfilled, opened their understanding, repentance, remission of sins, witnesses, “the Promise of My Father,” power from on high, blessed, carried up into heaven, worshiped, great joy, praising and blessing God.

II.    General Analysis

1a. From perplexity to remembrance.

1b. From sadness to zeal.

1c. From terror to joy.

2a. 6, 7, 25-27, 44, 49.

2b. The predictions in the Scriptures placed Jesus’ death and resurrection into proper perspective. The Lord’s death was not a tragic ending but the accomplishment of God’s redemptive plan as prophesied in the Scriptures and by Christ Himself. Likewise, His resurrection furthermore demonstrated that, in accordance with His sovereign will, God has indeed conquered the power of sin.

III. Segment Analysis

1a. Christ’s resurrection is for our justification (Rom 4:25). If Christ was not raised, that means He failed to overcome the power of sin and death. If He was not raised, He would not be able to deliver us from eternal condemnation, and we would still be in sin (1Cor 15:17-19).

2. Many people try to understand Jesus by studying Him as a mere historical figure who lived thousands of years ago. They regard Him as one of the great men of the past. But the Lord Jesus is alive today, and He works in the life of believers. Only with faith in the Resurrection can we experience Christ’s life-changing power and gain a true knowledge of Him.

3. Verses 8-9 indicate that the women understood the resurrection once they were reminded of the Lord’s predictions. The other disciples, however, still could not believe that Jesus had been raised (1, 25, 38).

4a. The death of Jesus and the empty tomb (19-24).

4b. They were sad (17) because they did not think that the Lord Jesus would return to life.

5. The words “we were hoping” suggest that they understood the Lord’s death as the end of their hope.

6. They were slow in believing the prophecies in the Scriptures about Christ (25-26).

7. Although He was a guest, He took the role of a host by giving the blessing and breaking the bread. His actions led the disciples to recognize Him (35).

9. By God’s grace we have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. We should not hesitate to bring this good tiding to those around us.

10. We need to ask the Lord to open the Scriptures to us and rekindle our hearts with His Spirit (32). With knowledge of the living Word and a burning zeal in our hearts, we will rejoice and gladly witness for the Lord.

11a. The disciples had been depressed after the Lord’s death and were perplexed by the report of Christ’s post-resurrection appearance. In the midst of such confusion and uncertainty, they needed assurance from the Lord Himself.

11b. This peace from God calms our hearts and frees us from anxiety and fear. It comes from trusting in the love and promise of our Lord. The disciples were troubled because they still had doubts (38). So the Lord brought them peace by removing their doubts.

12. If the Lord Jesus’ appearance was just a spirit, then the disciples would have thought that the spirit of the Lord had returned from the dead. They still would not have been convinced that Christ had indeed been raised bodily from the dead.

13a. Only in light of God’s sovereign plan in the Scriptures could the disciples understand the significance of the resurrection. The resurrection was not just another miracle but the fulfillment of salvation.

13b. Our knowledge of Jesus Christ should not be built only on experience of healings or other miracles. We must learn to know Christ through the teachings of the Scriptures. Only then can our faith in the Lord be firm.

14. The Scriptures are not just works of literature. Understanding the superficial meaning does not necessarily mean understanding the divine message behind the words. Only if God reveals His will to us can we understand the mysteries of God in His words and come to a living faith in Christ (cf. Mt 11:25-27; 1Cor 2:10-13).

15. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has received all authority in heaven and on earth and opened the way of salvation (Mt 28:18). This tiding of salvation must be preached to all the world, and as the Lord’s witnesses, we are entrusted with this commission.

16a. Repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name.

16b. We need the power from on high (49), i.e. the power of the Holy Spirit.

17a. Their joy came from knowing that Christ has accomplished salvation through His resurrection and that there is hope of everlasting life for them and for all the world.