October 6, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 24
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Luke Chapter 24 describes the events following Jesus’ resurrection and includes some of the most significant moments in the Christian faith. This chapter highlights the revelation of Jesus’ resurrection first to the women at the tomb, then to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally to the entire group of disciples. Through these appearances and conversations, Jesus opens the disciples’ understanding of the fulfillment of Scripture and confirms his resurrection as a central truth of faith.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb on the first day of the week. The women who came to anoint Jesus found the stone rolled away and encountered two angels who announced Jesus’ resurrection. This message was met with disbelief by the apostles, but Peter ran to the tomb to confirm the truth. In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus initially reveals himself in disguise and explains the Scriptures to them. When breaking bread, they recognize him, and their hearts are filled with joy and understanding. Finally, Jesus appears to his gathered disciples, proving his identity through his wounds and explaining the necessity of his suffering and resurrection. The chapter culminates in Jesus’ ascension, which ends with a blessing and leaves the disciples with great joy and hope.
Summary
Luke 24 narrates the resurrection of Jesus, his encounters with the disciples, and his ascension. It begins with the discovery of the empty tomb, leads to Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and culminates in his final revelation to the gathered disciples. This chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus’ suffering and resurrection, and it concludes with the promise of the Holy Spirit and the ascension.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 68 is based on John 12:20-43 and deals with a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, when Greeks expressed the desire to see him. This chapter highlights the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to his impending sacrificial death on the cross, which would hold significance not only for the Jews but for all humanity. The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus symbolizes the universal appeal of his sacrifice and the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the Greeks’ request to see Jesus, which Jesus interprets as a sign of his imminent glorification through his death on the cross. This encounter is reminiscent of the Magi who came at Jesus’ birth, signaling that Jesus’ mission is now extending beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus seizes the moment to compare his death to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, emphasizing the necessity of his sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
The chapter underscores the importance of self-sacrifice, both in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. Jesus speaks of his coming exaltation on the cross as the moment when he will draw all people to himself. Despite these revelations, many remain in disbelief, and even some of the leaders are afraid to publicly confess their faith.
Summary
Chapter 68 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, interpreting the Greeks’ desire to see him as a sign of the expansion of his mission. Jesus explains that his death, like the death of a grain of wheat, is necessary to bring forth new life. The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the spread of the Gospel beyond Israel. It calls for self-sacrifice, both for Christ and his followers, while reflecting the deep sorrow over the continued disbelief of many.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
This chapter is based on Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 69 is based on the writings of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38. It addresses Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, provides the disciples and future generations with guidance and warnings about upcoming trials and God’s ultimate triumph. Jesus instructs His disciples on the signs of the times and calls for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the forthcoming events.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus warns His disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem while simultaneously alluding to His second coming. He intertwines these two events in His prophetic announcements, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance. The signs that indicate the destruction of Jerusalem also serve as harbingers of the end times. Jesus speaks of false prophets, wars, famines, and persecutions that will precede the final judgment. He reminds His disciples not to be deceived and to maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution. Finally, He points to the inevitable coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and in anticipation of His return.
Summary
Chapter 69 describes Jesus’ significant sermon on the Mount of Olives, in which He prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. He provides the disciples with signs of the impending events and calls for constant vigilance. By linking the fall of Jerusalem with the end times, Jesus urges believers to examine their hearts, avoid deception, and faithfully await His return. The chapter underscores that both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ are part of the divine plan and that God will ultimately save His believers.
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