No human eye saw the actual resurrection so there was no one to describe it to him but what was to be told about the empty tomb was from the women. They had done what they could when Joseph and Nicodemus buried Jesus' body. Now they were about to complete their work, as early as possible, before light ‑ 'in deep dawn'. They had wondered about the removal of the stone but the doorway to the tomb was open. As they ventured inside they were suddenly faced with a celestial messenger and, as always he gave the observers a shock. Angels were present when the Son of God was born and now they were in attendance for His Resurrection. The women observed and listened and then went, as instructed, to tell the Apostles who did not believe them. Mark tells us they entered the tomb. Matthew and John record that they met Jesus. The story can be pieced together, wonderfully well, each testimony was from eye witnesses who Luke must have interviewed. Frank Morison's book "Who Moved the Stone" (Faber 1930/69) demonstrates this clearly. The Resurrection immediately became a foundational truth of Christianity from Pentecost through Acts and the letters of the NT writers. Fearful and despondent followers of Jesus, confused by the events around the trial and crucifixion, became powerful, fearless witnesses for the Risen Lord Jesus. During those terrible days while Jesus was in the tomb they had struggled with their affection for Him as their Master and their respect as 'that Prophet' ‑ Messiah. But when they saw the Lord they were ecstatically glad ‑ and convinced by the evidences (infallible proofs) that He gave them. The frightened men who found it so hard to believe that He was alive again, became brave martyrs for their faith in Jesus, and so did countless numbers who came after them.

vv 13-35 The Road to Emmaus is one of the most moving and charming stories of all time. Luke must have met one of those two who walked the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus and gained a first hand personal account of the eventful walk. Geldenhuys says that as they walked, there was within them a violent struggle between fear and hope. Yet they were open to listen to the Lord and had their attitude been different on the journey, they would, at the gate and at the supper table, have missed the blessing. How many of us would have loved to have heard the Lord demonstrate from the writings of the prophets (Psa.22 and Isa.53 give us a start) that the Messiah had to suffer and die and be raised from the dead. Just as Jesus had given unmistakable proof of identification by speaking Mary's name to her, so now the two at supper with Jesus were convinced as He broke the loaves. The One who was with them now in the cottage at Emmaus had done the same thing in the same way by Galilee and many other places. Characteristic mannerisms are quite remarkable human behaviour.

vv 36-42 In Jerusalem and on Olivet. The disciples had the privilege of discovering their Master again. It was really Jesus, a real live person who could eat fish. He had flesh and bones ‑ he was identifiable ‑ they were not just seeing an apparition or vision or anything else that was not real. Why did He invite the disciples, particularly Thomas, to touch and handle Him but requested Mary Magdalene not to hold or cling (Morris, Vine).to Him? Barclay is not satisfied that we fully understand this question and his comments are interesting. That one servant of God may do something and another may not, is noticeable throughout Biblical and Christian times. There was something else they could not understand, nor can we yet. He could appear and disappear ‑ He could pass through locked doors ‑ and certainly He could do all the things He had done before their eyes during His ministry.

Luke's final words are brief but adequate. Even as he laid down his pen, the beloved Physician may have been planning to write that further account of all that Jesus continued to do through his followers. If so, there was no need for him then to enlarge on the record of the ascension. They were witnesses of the resurrection and the power of the resurrection was going to carry them through the suffering, the judgment hall and death for the sake of their Lord. And that has been the privilege of the saints to this day. Let us give thanks that faithful, honest, committed and very able men like Luke bequeathed to us the Gospel of Jesus Christ by which we find salvation.

The End