Notes on Luke 23:55-24:49

Luke 23:55-56

Likely encouraged by Joseph's example (vv. 52-53), these women were also willing to identify with Jesus and offered something costly to honor him in his death. They followed Joseph and saw the amount of burial spices used to hastily anoint Jesus before the coming of the Sabbath (v. 54; John 19:39). Though surely thankful for all that Joseph did, they determined to prepare even more perfumes and ointments for him (8:2-3; 24:1). rested. A display of genuine faith and piety (see 1:6; notes on Exod. 20:10; Deut. 5:14). See WLC 117, 121.

Jesus' Resurrection - Luke 24:1-49

Though condemned by the Jewish leaders and Roman government, God vindicated the work of his Son, Jesus (1 Tim 3:16). By raising him back to life, he indicated that Jesus did indeed atone for sins and would not reign with all authority (Eph. 1:22-23; Phil. 2:5-11). Thus, the resurrection became the bedrock of Christian hope for salvation (1 Cor. 15:12-20, 54-57).

Luke 24:1

first day. It is early Sunday morning. This caused a shift in believers' day of worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10). they. The women return to finish anointing Jesus's body in burial (22:39, 54-56). spices. The ancient Jews did not practice any form of embalming. Instead, they covered corpses with spices and ointments in burial (23:26).

Luke 24:3

Jesus' body was gone because he was raised from the dead (vv. 5-6). His resurrection was not simply spiritual; his physical body was given new life (v. 39; Acts 2:27).

Luke 24:4

These two men were angelic beings (v. 23; Matt. 28:2, 4; see note on 1:11). Like Jesus' birth, this glorious event was attended by God's messengers (1:26-38; 2:8-14).

Luke 24:5

fear. A typical response to the appearance of angels (1:12, 30; 2:9; 8:50; Gen. 15:1; Judg. 6:23; Dan. 10:12, 19). living among the dead. Despite following Jesus, the women did not expect to find him alive (see v. 6).

Luke 24:6-7

The angels offered a mild rebuke to the women. Jesus had repeatedly told his followers that he would die and rise again (9:22, 44; 18:32-33). Son of Man. A title for Jesus (see note on 5:22-24).

Luke 24:6

See WCF 29.6

Luke 24:8-10

Luke's account contains marks of its own authenticity (see notes 1:1-4). In Jewish culture, women were not permitted to act as a witness in court. Yet, they are the first to witness the empty tomb (v. 3). If the account was made up, women would not be written as arriving first. Nor would Luke include names. Doing so implicitly meant anyone could find these women and ask them about what they saw (see 1 Cor. 15:6).

Luke 24:10

Mary Magdalene. See notes on 8:2-3. Joanna. See notes on 8:2-3. Mary the mother of James. See Mark 15:40; 16:1. other women. Probably the women disciples and supports mentioned earlier (8:1-3; 23:49, 55). apostles. These men were appointed by Jesus to take the good news of Jesus death and resurrection to all nations (see note on 6:13)

Luke 24:11-12

The women's story seemed too good to be true. Yet, Peter went to see for himself (John 20:3-6). wondering. The empty tomb gave him hope, but not seeing Jesus himself left him unsure about its meaning (v. 24).

Luke 24:13

day. Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection (v. 1). two. That is, two of Jesus' disciples. One was named Cleopas (v. 18). Emmaus. A village thought to be west of Jerusalem, but its exact location is unknown. sixty stadia. About seven miles (eleven kilometers).

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