What Jesus Revealed on Easter - Luke 24:36-49
Introduction
Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday morning. That evening He made His first appearance to His disciples and Luke records what He said to them.
These are men who had been with Jesus for years, but they were slow to truly understand the nature of why Jesus came. But now they are face to face with risen Lord and He explains it all again. He came to die and rise from the dead, and it’s part of the plan that God has had all along.
Through His resurrection Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures, accomplished salvation for all who will believe and now He’s commissioning His disciples to go as His witnesses to the world.
As we consider this evening that Jesus had with His disciples, we should be reminded of the significance of what Jesus accomplished and of the calling we have to take the news of His salvation to the world.
The Appearance of the Resurrected Lord (24:36)
- A sudden appearance (vs. 36a) – As the disciples gathered on that Sunday evening they had received word that Jesus was alive, but most had not seen Him. That changed when Jesus showed up. The doors were locked, but suddenly Jesus was in their midst.
- A greeting of peace (vs. 36b) - While it was very common during this time for people to offer one another a greeting of peace, this greeting is special because it comes from the One who that very morning had risen from the dead securing peace with God for all who believe (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:1).
What Jesus Reveals to the Disciples on the Day of His Resurrection (24:37-49)
Jesus Reveals that He is Really Alive (vv. 37-43)
- A real, physical body - When Jesus appeared the disciples thought He might be a spirit or ghost. But Jesus offers proof that this isn’t a dream, vision or a spiritual appearance; this is Jesus Himself in the flesh. This is important. If Jesus did not truly rise from the dead, then there is no forgiveness and there is no salvation (1 Corinthians 15).
- A joyful wonder (vs. 41) – Three words are used to describe the disciples’ reaction: disbelief, joy and marveling. This combination of words points to a joyful wonder – their joy and amazement made what they were seeing “beyond belief.”
Jesus Reveals that He is the Fulfillment of the Scriptures (vv. 44-45)
- A crucified and resurrected Messiah is not a change in the plan of God, this was the plan all along! Jesus takes time to help His disciples see how all that has taken place was foretold in the Old Testament. Through this teaching Jesus is preparing them and giving them what they need to go out and to proclaim Him and the message of salvation to the world.
Jesus Reveals that Salvation Has Been Accomplished (vv. 46-47)
- Not only do the Scriptures foretell the death and resurrection of Jesus, but also that through Him all who repent and believe will receive forgiveness (Isaiah 53:5–6). When Jesus rose from the dead He secured the salvation of all who will believe (Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:13-21).
Jesus Reveals that the Message of Salvation is to be Proclaimed (vv. 47-49)
- A message to be proclaimed (vs. 48) – As Jesus explains God’s plan of salvation and how it has been foretold and accomplished, He also tells the disciples that they are being sent as witnesses of the resurrection and of the message of salvation (1 John 1:1–3; Acts 10:37–43).
- The scope of the proclamation (vs. 47) – There is no limit to the commission Jesus gives. The proclamation is to start in Jerusalem and then expand to all nations (Acts 1:8; Genesis 12:1–3).
- The power for proclamation (vs. 49) – The call of Jesus is vast, but in addition to the call Jesus promises the Holy Spirit who will empower and embolden the disciples (Acts 1:8).
- Application: The mission that was initiated on that evening after the resurrection is the same mission that we have been given. This isn’t just a calling for a select group of Christians – this is for all of us. We have been called to proclaim the message of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins to the world (Matthew 28:19–20). This is both our calling and our privilege!