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Luke 24
New Living Translation
Luke 24
New Living Translation
The Resurrection
24 But very early on Sunday morning[a] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
The Walk to Emmaus
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles[c] from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat,[d] he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.[e]”
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[f] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
Luke 24
New King James Version
Luke 24
New King James Version
He Is Risen(A)
24 Now (B)on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, [a]and certain other women with them, came to the tomb (C)bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 (D)But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 (E)Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were [b]greatly perplexed about this, that (F)behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! (G)Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be (H)delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
8 And (I)they remembered His words. 9 (J)Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, (K)Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 (L)And their words seemed to them like [c]idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 (M)But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths [d]lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
The Road to Emmaus(N)
13 (O)Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was [e]seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that (P)Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But (Q)their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you [f]walk and are sad?”
18 Then the one (R)whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, (S)who was a Prophet (T)mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 (U)and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping (V)that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and (W)certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And (X)certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”
25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 (Y)Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His (Z)glory?” 27 And beginning at (AA)Moses and (AB)all the Prophets, He [g]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
The Disciples’ Eyes Opened
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and (AC)He [h]indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But (AD)they constrained Him, saying, (AE)“Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.
30 Now it came to pass, as (AF)He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and (AG)has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was [i]known to them in the breaking of bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples(AH)
36 (AI)Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen (AJ)a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. (AK)Handle Me and see, for a (AL)spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 [j]When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe (AM)for joy, and marveled, He said to them, (AN)“Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish [k]and some honeycomb. 43 (AO)And He took it and ate in their presence.
The Scriptures Opened
44 Then He said to them, (AP)“These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And (AQ)He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, (AR)“Thus it is written, [l]and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and (AS)remission of sins should be preached in His name (AT)to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And (AU)you are witnesses of these things. 49 (AV)Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city [m]of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
The Ascension(AW)
50 And He led them out (AX)as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 (AY)Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 (AZ)And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually (BA)in the temple [n]praising and blessing God. [o]Amen.
Footnotes
- Luke 24:1 NU omits and certain other women with them
- Luke 24:4 NU omits greatly
- Luke 24:11 nonsense
- Luke 24:12 NU omits lying
- Luke 24:13 Lit. 60 stadia
- Luke 24:17 NU walk? And they stood still, looking sad.
- Luke 24:27 explained
- Luke 24:28 acted as if
- Luke 24:35 recognized
- Luke 24:40 Some printed New Testaments omit v. 40. It is found in nearly all Gr. mss.
- Luke 24:42 NU omits and some honeycomb
- Luke 24:46 NU that the Christ should suffer and rise
- Luke 24:49 NU omits of Jerusalem
- Luke 24:53 NU omits praising and
- Luke 24:53 NU omits Amen.
Luke 24
Christian Standard Bible
Luke 24
Christian Standard Bible
Resurrection Morning
24 On(A) the first day of the week,(B) very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body(C) of the Lord Jesus.(D) 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling(E) clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen!(F) Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee,(G) 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed(H) into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise(I) on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.
9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven(J) and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James,(K) and the other women with them were telling the apostles(L) these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe(M) the women. 12 Peter,(N) however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[b](O) So he went away, amazed(P) at what had happened.
The Emmaus Disciples
13 Now(Q) that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles[c](R) from Jerusalem.(S) 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they[d] were prevented from recognizing him.(T) 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having[e] with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?” (U)
19 “What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth,(V) who was a prophet(W) powerful in action and speech(X) before God and all the people,(Y) 20 and how our chief priests and leaders(Z) handed him over to be sentenced to death,(AA) and they crucified him.(AB) 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem(AC) Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day(AD) since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”(AE)
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken!(AF) 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer(AG) these things and enter into his glory?”(AH) 27 Then beginning with Moses(AI) and all the Prophets,(AJ) he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.(AK)
28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther.(AL) 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke(AM) it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened,(AN) and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.(AO) 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures(AP) to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven(AQ) and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” (AR) 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.(AS)
The Reality of the Risen Jesus
36 As(AT) they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace(AU) to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified(AV) and thought they were seeing a ghost.(AW) 38 “Why are you troubled?”(AX) he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself!(AY) Touch me and see,(AZ) because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,[g] 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
44 He told them, “These are my words(BA) that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,(BB) and the Psalms(BC) must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds(BD) to understand(BE) the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written:[h] The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day,(BF) 47 and repentance for[i] forgiveness of sins(BG) will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations,(BH) beginning at Jerusalem.(BI) 48 You are witnesses(BJ) of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you[j] what my Father promised.(BK) As for you, stay in the city[k] until you are empowered[l](BL) from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,(BM) and lifting up his hands(BN) he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.(BO) 52 After worshiping him,(BP) they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.(BQ) 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.[m](BR)
Footnotes
- 24:1 Other mss add and other women with them
- 24:12 Other mss add lying there
- 24:13 Lit about sixty stadia; one stadion = 600 feet
- 24:16 Lit their eyes
- 24:17 Lit “What are these words that you are exchanging
- 24:25 Lit slow of heart
- 24:42 Other mss add and some honeycomb
- 24:46 Other mss add and thus it was necessary that
- 24:47 Many mss read repentance and
- 24:49 Lit upon you
- 24:49 Other mss add of Jerusalem
- 24:49 Lit clothed with power
- 24:53 Other mss read praising and blessing God. Amen.
Luke 24
New International Version
Luke 24
New International Version
Jesus Has Risen(A)
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared(B) and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.(C) 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning(D) stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:(E) 7 ‘The Son of Man(F) must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”(G) 8 Then they remembered his words.(H)
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them(I) who told this to the apostles.(J) 11 But they did not believe(K) the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,(L) and he went away,(M) wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem.(N) 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;(O) 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.(P)
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas,(Q) asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,”(R) they replied. “He was a prophet,(S) powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers(T) handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.(U) And what is more, it is the third day(V) since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us.(W) They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”(X)
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”(Y) 27 And beginning with Moses(Z) and all the Prophets,(AA) he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.(AB)
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it(AC) and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,(AD) and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us(AE) while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures(AF) to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord(AG) has risen and has appeared to Simon.”(AH) 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.(AI)
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”(AJ)
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.(AK) 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see;(AL) a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.(AM)
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:(AN) Everything must be fulfilled(AO) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,(AP) the Prophets(AQ) and the Psalms.”(AR)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer(AS) and rise from the dead on the third day,(AT) 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name(AU) to all nations,(AV) beginning at Jerusalem.(AW) 48 You are witnesses(AX) of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised;(AY) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,(AZ) he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.(BA) 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple,(BB) praising God.
Footnotes
- Luke 24:13 Or about 11 kilometers
Luke 24
The Voice
Luke 24
The Voice
24 Early on Sunday morning, even before the sun had fully risen, these women made their way back to the tomb with the spices and ointments they had prepared. 2 When they arrived, they found the stone was rolled away from the tomb entrance, 3 and when they looked inside, the body of the Lord Jesus was nowhere to be seen. 4 They didn’t know what to think. As they stood there in confusion, two men suddenly appeared standing beside them. These men seemed to glow with light. 5 The women were so terrified that they fell to the ground facedown.
This phrase, “Son of Man,” is very important in Luke’s story and may have many layers of meaning. It may mean “epitome of humanity” or “prime example of what a human can be.” But it also evokes a specific passage of Scripture that is very important to Jewish people, Daniel 7:13-27. There the phrase “Son of Man” refers to a king who receives an eternal and universal kingdom, and it also represents “the saints of the Most High”—the people of God. In light of Jesus’ central message about the kingdom of God, it is likely that the phrase suggests Jesus is the long-awaited Anointed One who launches a new era in human history and who creates a community of people who represent the eternal and universal kingdom of God. In this way, “Son of” suggests “new generation of,” and “Man” suggests “humanity.” Jesus is Himself the new generation of humanity (a second Adam, a new beginning), and the community He creates shares this identity (a new creation, a new humanity in Jesus). The two messengers here use this pregnant phrase in a way that shocks everyone: The way this long-awaited Anointed One receives His kingdom is not through conventional military victory where enemies are defeated and killed. No, this King receives His kingdom by suffering, dying, and rising again Himself. Amazing news—good news!
Two Men: Why are you seeking the living One in the place of the dead? 6 He is not here. He has risen from the dead. Don’t you remember what He told you way back in Galilee? 7 He told you that the Son of Man must be handed over to wicked men, He must be crucified, and then on the third day He must rise.
8 The women did remember Jesus’ words about this, 9 so they returned from the tomb and found the eleven and recounted for them—and others with them—everything they had experienced. 10-11 The Lord’s emissaries[a] heard their stories as fiction, a lie; they didn’t believe a word of it. (By the way, this group of women included Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, along with a number of others.) 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he reached the opening, he bent down, looked inside, and saw the linen burial cloths lying there. But the body was gone. He walked away, full of wonder about what had happened.
13 Picture this:
That same day, two other disciples (not of the eleven) are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. 14 As they walk along, they talk back and forth about all that has transpired during recent days. 15 While they’re talking, discussing, and conversing, Jesus catches up to them and begins walking with them, 16 but for some reason they don’t recognize Him.
Jesus: 17 You two seem deeply engrossed in conversation. What are you talking about as you walk along this road?
They stop walking and just stand there, looking sad. 18 One of them—Cleopas is his name—speaks up.
Cleopas: You must be the only visitor in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about what’s been going on over the last few days.
Jesus: 19 What are you talking about?
Two Disciples: It’s all about the man named Jesus of Nazareth. He was a mighty prophet who did amazing miracles and preached powerful messages in the sight of God and everyone around. 20 Our chief priests and authorities handed Him over to be executed—crucified, in fact.
21 We had been hoping that He was the One—you know, the One who would liberate all Israel and bring God’s promises. Anyway, on top of all this, just this morning—the third day after the execution— 22 some women in our group really shocked us. They went to the tomb early this morning, 23 but they didn’t see His body anywhere. Then they came back and told us they did see something—a vision of heavenly messengers—and these messengers said that Jesus was alive. 24 Some people in our group went to the tomb to check it out, and just as the women had said, it was empty. But they didn’t see Jesus.
Jesus: 25 Come on, men! Why are you being so foolish? Why are your hearts so sluggish when it comes to believing what the prophets have been saying all along? 26 Didn’t it have to be this way? Didn’t the Anointed One have to experience these sufferings in order to come into His glory?
Luke has told his story. It ends with joy and praise. The crucified Jesus has been resurrected and has ascended to heaven to take His place at God’s right hand just as the ancient prophets predicted. For the band of disciples, Easter joy has eclipsed Good Friday sorrow.
This ending point becomes the starting point for Luke’s sequel, known as the Acts of the Apostles. The story isn’t really over; it’s just begun. The life and ministry of Jesus that Luke has just recounted is the mustard-seed stage of the kingdom of God that continues to grow and grow and grow. Now it’s time for this Kingdom to fill the world. If Luke’s Gospel is about what Jesus began to do and teach, then Luke’s sequel is about what the risen Jesus continues to do and teach through His followers for millennia. Luke writes in hope that future believers will be taken up into this beautiful story that will never, ever end.
27 Then He begins with Moses and continues, prophet by prophet, explaining the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures, showing how they were talking about the very things that had happened to Jesus.
28 About this time, they are nearing their destination. Jesus keeps walking ahead as if He has no plans to stop there, 29 but they convince Him to join them.
Two Disciples: Please, be our guest. It’s getting late, and soon it will be too dark to walk.
So He accompanies them to their home. 30 When they sit down at the table for dinner, He takes the bread in His hands, He gives thanks for it, and then He breaks it and hands it to them. 31 At that instant, two things happen simultaneously: their eyes are suddenly opened so they recognize Him, and He instantly vanishes—just disappears before their eyes.
Two Disciples (to each other): 32 Amazing! Weren’t our hearts on fire within us while He was talking to us on the road? Didn’t you feel it all coming clear as He explained the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures?
33 So they get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem—all seven miles—where they find the eleven gathered together—the eleven plus a number of others. 34 Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell.
Other Disciples: The Lord has risen indeed! It’s true! He appeared to Simon!
35 Then the two men report their own experience—their conversation along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. 36 At that very instant, as they’re still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them!
Jesus: May you have peace!
You might expect them to be overjoyed, but they aren’t.
37 They’re startled and terrified; they think they’re seeing a ghost.
Jesus: 38 Why are you upset? Why are your hearts churning with questions? 39 Look—look at My hands and My feet! See that it’s Me! Come on; touch Me; see for yourselves. A ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see that I have!
[40 Then He shows them His hands and His feet.][b]
41 Now their fear gives way to joy; but it seems too good to be true, and they’re still unsure.
Jesus: Do you have anything here to eat?
42 They hand Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He takes it and eats it in front of them.
Jesus: 44 I’ve been telling you this all along, that everything written about Me in the Hebrew Scriptures must be fulfilled—everything from the law of Moses to the prophets to the psalms.
45 Then He opens their minds so they can comprehend the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Jesus: 46 This is what the Scriptures said: that the promised Anointed One should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 that in His name a radical change of thought and life should be preached, and that in His name the forgiveness of sins should be preached, beginning in Jerusalem and extending to all nations. 48 You have witnessed the fulfillment of these things. 49 So I am sending My Father’s promise to you. Stay in the city until you receive it—until power from heaven comes upon you.
50 Then He leads them out to Bethany. He lifts up His hands and blesses them, 51 and at that moment, with His hands raised in blessing, He leaves them and is carried up into heaven. 52 They worship Him, then they return to Jerusalem, filled with intense joy, 53 and they return again and again to the temple to celebrate God.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New King James Version (NKJV) 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.
The Voice (VOICE)
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.