God's Abandoned Family? (Luke 24:36-53)
Introduction
This is our conclusion to our study of Luke’s Gospel. As we reflect on Luke, we remember how the gospel begins: angels, shepherds, women, and an elderly priestly family in scandal. God turns their barrenness, which is scandalous because they are not blessed by God, into life, as they will be the means to bring in the prophet before the messiah.
The Lord confirms his promise, but we see that the world has its categories. Kings do not come from peasants. No one will give up their house or bed, even though they will be called to bear their cross. Christ is given all the hospitality of a peasant baby. We might think that this is a failure until we realize that the Lord shows his strength through weakness. Life comes from death. Children come from scandalous, barren people.
We would think that by the end of the Gospel, people have these dials. However, the scene is set with the disciples alone in a room. They hear reports, but fail to see our glorified Lord. Luke presents Christ’s work as Christ reveals himself, and then he leaves. Does this mean that Christ is upset? How do we know that we can draw near to a savior who leaves us?
The Unexpected Appearance
Luke opens the scene with the disciples in a room talking about these things. This echoes what we heard from the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They expected redemption through Israel, but Christ had died. They are processing grief, fear, and confusion. Their mindset is that they have been duped. They are trying to process what might not make sense while wondering if their crucifixion is next.
Suddenly, Christ stands in their midst and says, “Peace to you.”
At first, they are startled, thinking they are seeing a spirit. Yet, Christ shows His hands and feet. They are invited to examine the scars of His suffering. They are to comprehend that Christ is revealing His glorified body.
Christ should say that he is going to find new disciples. However, Christ knows our frailty and weakness. He is long-suffering. Rather than pronouncing judgment, he comes to pronounce the shalom of the Gospel. We need to be careful where we set the boundaries for what God can do. He may not always fit within the parameters of our box. However, we drew the box in our own understanding.
Luke reminds us that while the disciples doubt, Christ’s appearance restores hope and demonstrates that His mission is accomplished in ways they did not anticipate.
Peaceful Assurance
Christ’s greeting of “Peace to you” mirrors the angels’ proclamation at His birth, yet now it carries profound significance. This peace is not a temporary truce but a full restoration. It is not God tolerating us, but God entering into a full communion with us. The promises of the gospel are confirmed. The hope that Abraham had as a promise we realize now because Christ has been raised from the dead.
We see this peace because Christ invites the disciples to draw near to him. The examination of his wounds confirms that this is not an illusion. His dining with the disciples communicates that they are in fellowship with one another. Luke’s Gospel revolves around meals. God’s people dining with Christ is their communing together around the table. It is saying that they have fellowship as a family that enjoys the food together. The Lord’s family dines together as His people.
Trust that, despite human failure, God’s mercy and grace endure.
Even in doubt, even in the midst of human failure, Christ draws His people near. Christ’s peace is granted to flawed disciples. The Gospel shalom is far deeper than we can comprehend.
Prophetic Accomplishment
Christ opens the disciples’ minds to understand the Scriptures, showing how His suffering and resurrection fulfill God’s plan. He connects the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, revealing the continuity of God’s covenant. Christ gives the assurance that he has confirmed the work.
Christ invites them to meet him outside the city. He is taken up to glory before their eyes at Bethany. If you put this in the context of Zechariah 12-14 then you will see Christ’s confirmation. The kingdom is here. Christ leaves from the Mount of Olives, which is the place where the messiah is going to return. The promise of judging the nations is not annulled, but delayed. Now is the time for the gospel to go forth. The call to prepare for the king’s return. When he comes down to the Mount of Olives, it is the time when the people will be held accountable for their response to the herald’s gospel call.
Christ now lives in heaven to intercede for his people. His people are seated with him as a victorious people who are more than those who have overcome. Let us heed the Gospel call. Let us cling to our savior. Let us walk in him as living sacrifices who live for his glory.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Luke reminds us that Christ’s mission is complete; he is in heaven, but he continues to work. Today, we live in the reality of Christ’s resurrection and ascension. He intercedes on our behalf, invites us into fellowship, and guarantees that the fullness of the kingdom is ours in Him. Let us draw near, find joy in Him, and anticipate the eternal feast at the Lamb’s table.