The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Resurrection of Jesus

Jerusalem: Luke 24,33-53

As we saw in the overview, the mention of time and place in verse 33 indicates the beginning of the third part of this resurrection chapter.

Read through this final episode of the Gospel and note how it is presented in three parts and a conclusion.

The Risen Jesus: 24,33-43

It is important to read these verses as one scene. How does it unfold? This is rarely done because the Emmaus story is taken as ending in verse 35.

In verse 33, "at the same hour" the two disciples returned to Jerusalem. See if the translations give a hint of what is happening in this verse. There is a clue in verse 7.

In 24,36, we hear of the sudden appearance of Jesus and his greeting: Peace be with you: see 2,14, 7,50 and 19,38 and also 10,5-6. This is the Hebrew Greeting "Shalom" - what is its deeper meaning?

Verse 37 gives the reaction of the disciples, not surprising in the circumstances. Note what they thought they were seeing; this verse sets the scene for the correction that follows. There will be a need to compare translations here.

Consider what verses 39 tells us about the risen Jesus.

What is the significance of verses 41-43 - look at 9,16. What is the reaction of the disciples?

You are Witnesses: 24,44-49

Jesus now speaks; note how this comes in two parts. Look at what is being said and consider how we might regard what is said in each part.

Verses 44-45: compare with 24,26-27.

Verse 46: look back at 9,22.

Verse 47: see also Acts 26,23.

Verse 48: who is commissioned here?

Verse 49: see Acts 1-2

Now look at my response.

Blessing and Worship: Lk 24,50-53

We need to focus on these verses as the conclusion to the Gospel. There is an overlap with the first verses of the Acts of the Apostles but that is not our concern here. Instead, we are seeking echoes of earlier themes in the Gospel as it now ends. We need to consider especially the story of the birth of Jesus, chapters 1 & 2.

In Verse 50 Jesus gives a unique blessing for this Gospel, based on Sirach 50,20-24. Contrast this with Zecharian in 1,21-22.

Verse 51-52: notice the context in which Jesus is carried up to heaven.

Verse 52-53: Where does the story end?
Joy: see 2,10 and verse 41.
Blessing or Praising God: see 1,64 & 2,28.

Now look at my response.

Luke has now completed his orderly account (1,3). Luke's project stated in his prologue is fulfilled (1,1-4) with God being praised (24,53).