Luke 24:36-53
Today’s reading is a continuation of the Road to Emmaus, with the two disciples having reported to the eleven about their meeting with Jesus. Luke’s account of Jesus’ appearance in the Upper Room is consistent with John 20:19-23, except that John reports that Thomas had not been present – John then follows up with Thomas meeting with Jesus eight days later (John 20:24-29). One big difference between the two accounts is Jesus’ telling the disciples that His hands and His feet had been pierced: See My hands and My feet, that it is I myself. (Luke 24:39a) John had mentioned Jesus’ hands and His side. A small point, but fully a case of the gospels proving themselves! (See John 19:34.)
Luke gives a short account here of Jesus’ Ascension. Mark also reports on the Ascension (Mark 16:19-20). A more complete account occurs in Acts 1, which we will be reading in a few days.
See also: December 24 / Luke 24:36-49; December 31 / Luke 24:50-53