Luke 24

The Empty Tomb

Lord Jesus — Jesus, 'Jehovah saves,' confessed as Lord

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. Luke 24:1–3

The women come on Sunday morning to anoint a body and find the tomb empty. Luke calls Him 'the Lord Jesus' for the first time here, at the Resurrection.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Matthew 28:1-6 — The empty tomb on the first day of the week.
• the same event in John 20:1-2 — Mary Magdalene finds the stone taken away.

He Is Risen

Son of Man — the Son of Man of Holiness

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: Luke 24:4–7

Two angels announce that Jesus is alive and remind the women of His own prophecy of death and rising on the third day. The Living One is not to be found among the dead.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Luke 9:22 — Jesus foretold He would be slain and raised the third day.
• fulfils Luke 18:31-33 — The Son of man delivered, killed, and rising the third day.
• fulfils Mosiah 3:10 — King Benjamin: 'he shall rise the third day from the dead.'
• the same event in Mark 16:5-6 — The angel's announcement at the tomb.

The Risen Christ on the Road to Emmaus

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 24:15–17

The resurrected Jesus walks with two sad disciples, who do not yet recognize Him. He comes alongside people in their discouragement.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Mark 16:12 — He appeared in another form unto two of them as they walked.

Jesus of Nazareth, the Prophet

Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: Luke 24:19–20

The disciples describe Jesus as a mighty prophet who was crucified. He is the prophet like Moses whom Moses foretold, though they do not yet understand He is far more.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Deuteronomy 18:15 — A Prophet like unto Moses.
• interpreted by Acts 3:22 — Peter applies Deuteronomy 18:15 to Jesus.

Redeemer of Israel

Redeemer — one who buys back or frees from bondage

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Luke 24:21

They had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel, and they mention, without seeing its meaning, that it is the third day. He had redeemed Israel, and far more deeply than they imagined.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 49:26 — 'I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.'

Christ Must Suffer, then Enter His Glory

Christ — the Anointed One

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Luke 24:25–26

The risen Lord teaches that suffering was always the prophesied path of the Messiah to His glory. The cross was not a defeat but the plan.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interprets Isaiah 53:3-5 — The suffering servant prophecy.
• alluded to by 1 Peter 1:11 — The prophets testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow.

Christ in All the Scriptures

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Jesus Himself teaches that the whole Old Testament, from Moses onward, is about Him. This verse is a master key for this entire map: all things bear record of Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Moses 6:63 — All things are created and made to bear record of me.
• the same title in Jacob 7:11 — None of the prophets have written nor prophesied save they have spoken concerning this Christ.
• the same title in John 5:46 — 'Moses... wrote of me.'
• interprets Deuteronomy 18:15 — Moses' prophecy of the Prophet like unto him.

Known in the Breaking of Bread

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. Luke 24:30–31

As Jesus blesses and breaks bread, the disciples recognize the risen Lord. The act recalls the Last Supper; we too come to know Him as we remember Him in the sacrament.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Luke 22:19 — He took bread, gave thanks, and brake it.
• the same event in Luke 24:35 — How he was known of them in breaking of bread.

The Spirit Witnesses of Christ

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32

As Jesus taught them from the scriptures, the Spirit burned in their hearts, witnessing that the scriptures were about Him. This is how the Holy Ghost still testifies of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by D&C 9:8 — If it is right, your bosom shall burn within you.

The Lord Is Risen

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. Luke 24:34–35

The apostles testify that the Lord has truly risen and appeared to Peter. The Resurrection is confirmed by multiple witnesses.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 Corinthians 15:5 — He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.

The Risen Christ Appears to the Apostles

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Luke 24:36–38

Jesus suddenly stands among the frightened apostles and gives them peace. He is the Prince of Peace in person.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in John 20:19-20 — Jesus stands in the midst: 'Peace be unto you.'

A Resurrected Body of Flesh and Bones

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Luke 24:39–43

The risen Lord proves He is not a spirit: they touch His wounded hands and feet and watch Him eat. Latter-day Saints treasure this as the clearest witness that the resurrected Christ has a tangible body.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by D&C 130:22 — The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also.
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:14-15 — The Nephites feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet.

The Law, Prophets, and Psalms Concerning Me

Christ — the Anointed One

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44–46

Jesus names all three sections of the Hebrew Bible and says every one is about Him, then opens the apostles' understanding. His suffering and rising on the third day were written from the beginning.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interprets Psalm 16:10 — 'Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption' (applied to Christ in Acts 2:27-31).
• interprets Hosea 6:2 — 'In the third day he will raise us up.'
• the same title in Alma 34:14 — The whole meaning of the law points to that great and last sacrifice.

Remission of Sins in His Name

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47–48

Forgiveness is offered to all nations only in the name of Jesus Christ. The apostles are sent as witnesses to carry that name to the world.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Acts 2:38 — At Jerusalem: be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
• the same title in Mosiah 3:17 — No other name whereby salvation can come but in and through the name of Christ.

Christ Sends the Promise of the Father

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49

The risen Lord promises to send the gift the Father promised: the Holy Ghost and power from on high. He directs His Church even as He prepares to ascend.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 1:4-5 — Wait for the promise of the Father.
• fulfilled by Acts 2:4 — They were all filled with the Holy Ghost.

The Ascension

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. Luke 24:50–53

Jesus' last act on earth in Luke is to bless His disciples with raised hands as He ascends. They worship Him, recognizing Him as God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 1:9-11 — Taken up in a cloud; He shall come again in like manner.
• the same event in Mark 16:19 — Received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God.
• the same title in 3 Nephi 18:38-39 — Christ ascends into heaven from among the Nephites after blessing them.