GOSPEL OF LUKE: Chapter 24

Luke 24:1-7  Resurrection!

Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared.  They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb,  so they went in; but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. They stood there puzzled about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them.  Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?  He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee:  ‘The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.’”
     I don't have alot of comment on this passage.  It is so well known.  Jesus is alive!  We should not look for him in the tomb or hanging on the cross.  He is among the living, among you and me, living among us and within us.  Look for Christ!  

Luke 24: 13-35 On the Road to Emmaus
On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about 7 miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking to each other about everything that had happened.  While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey.  They were prevented from recognizing him.  He said to them, 'What are you talking about as you walk along?'  They stopped, their faces downcast.  The one named Cleopas replied, 'Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?'
     How often have we walked side by side with Jesus and failed to recognize him.  How often must the scriptures be re-explained over and over because we are filled with doubt and mis-trust.  The Good News is exactly what it appears:  good news!  A simple message of love.  
     The Emmaus Road story is unique to the Gospel of Luke. It can be compared to our lifetime walk to discover and recognize Jesus in our own world and to find out just what that discovery means.  Where am I on my walk?
   

Luke 24:36-43  Appearing to the Disciples
While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'  They were terrified and afraid.  They thought they were seeing a ghost....Because they were wondering and questioning in the midst of their happiness, he said to them, 'Do you have anything to eat?'  They gave him a piece of baked fish.  Taking it, he ate it in front of them. (36-42 CEB)
      Luke enjoys stories of Jesus participating in ordinary daily activities, especially the community of a common meal.  It is no surprise he was recognized by Cleopas during the meal in Emmaus.  Likewise, he appears to all the disciples again at a meal together; proving he isn't a ghost, he eats with them.  

Luke 24:46-49  Wait for the Power

He said to them, 'This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  Look, I'm sending to you what my Father promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.' (CEB)
     I have just finished reading the Presby News Service article on the life of Kayla Mueller, killed by Isis.  I have the feeling that Kayla came to know the heavenly power sent by God.  She relied on it, in life and death.  It is a power that makes possible the impossible. 




Luke 24:50-53  The Ascension of Jesus
He led them out as far as Bethany, where he lifted his hands and blessed them.  As he blessed them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.  They worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem overwhelmed with joy.  And they were continuously in the temple praising God. (CEB):
       Luke ends his Gospel seemingly quickly.  After the meal together, he shares a few final words of hope, heads to Bethany, and ascends to heaven.  I almost get the impression that Luke is eager to finish this chapter of the story and get on to the book of Acts, the sequel.  Luke makes no mention of the actual day of Pentecost, the coming of the Spirit.  We are told to wait. 

Back Cover for Book

     Waiting is fine, if we know what we are waiting for; if we will recognize the Spirit when it comes!  God is waiting now, waiting for our acceptance of his love, his power.  

My goal over the last few weeks has been to finish the Scribbles illustrating the Gospel of Luke.  Now I can begin the process of putting them together in a somewhat 'comic book' fashion to form a very graphic interpretation of the Good News.  

And now....on to Lent!