Luke 24: 33-53, Ascension

Jesus has just talked to two men on the road to Emmaus (near Jerusalem).

Luke 24: 33-43, Jesus visits the disciples
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."

Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"

They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Does Jesus have the same body he had before the resurrection?  He appears to eat the fish as if to make sure they know he is physically there, not ephemeral.

This Sunday evening appearance is mentioned in the Gospel of John. Thomas is not there.

Luke 24: 44-53, Ascension
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 

 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Luke follows his gospel, with a sequel, the book of Acts.  He records there that forty days transpire during which time Jesus meets his followers.  Jesus appears in the Jerusalem area, then in Galilee for awhile and then they all return to Jerusalem. It is not clear why these events occur in this order but it puts the disciples back in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

We will begin a study of Acts tomorrow.