From Doubt to Declaration: Reactions to the Risen Christ

Luke 24 brings to a close the enlightening and detailed account Dr. Luke gives of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. But far from being just an ending, this chapter is a powerful springboard for every believer – a call to faith, to understanding, and to action.

The chapter opens with three distinct groups of people:

• The women who visited Jesus’ tomb early on resurrection morning

• The disciples who first heard the news from the women

• Two other disciples walking the road to Emmaus
  

As I read through their stories, I noticed some powerful, common patterns that reveal how we often respond to God’s promises, and how we can grow in faith today.

1. They Struggled to Believe Jesus’ Words

Despite all Jesus had said about His resurrection, none of them initially believed it.

• The women came to the tomb expecting to find a body. When they didn’t, they assumed it had been stolen (Luke 24:1–4; John 20:2).

• Having seen and heard from the angels, the women ran into the city to inform the disciples. These disciples, who had been with Jesus and heard Jesus talk about His death and resurrection, dismissed the women’s report as nonsense (Luke 24:9–11).

• The two Emmaus disciples, filled with disappointment, said they had “hoped” Jesus was the one to redeem Israel – but now He was gone (Luke 24:13–25). They were so weak in faith, Jesus Himself called them “foolish” and slow to believe.

Lesson:
When we struggle to believe God’s Word, we close our hearts to the supernatural. Even when the miraculous happens, unbelief can cause us to miss it – or worse, misinterpret it as something else. But when we hold tightly to His promises, we create space for the impossible to take place in our lives.

2. They Needed a Reminder of Scripture

Each group had to be brought back to the Word of God to truly understand what was happening.

• The angels reminded the women of Jesus’ own words (Luke 24:4–8).

• Jesus took the Emmaus disciples through Scripture to explain why the Messiah had to suffer and rise again (Luke 24:25–27).

• Later, Jesus opened the minds of the apostles to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:44–45).

Lesson:
The Holy Spirit brings the Word to life in us – but He can only bring to remembrance what we've stored in our hearts. If we neglect Scripture, we limit the Spirit’s ability to teach, guide, and comfort us. Bible study isn’t just for knowledge; it’s fuel for our spiritual sensitivity.

3. They Responded to the Resurrection with Joy and Evangelism

The natural reaction to discovering Jesus is alive wasn’t just joy – it was movement. Urgent, contagious movement.

• The women ran to tell the apostles (Luke 24:9).

• The Emmaus disciples, who had just begged Jesus to stay because it was late, suddenly made the return journey to Jerusalem – at night – just to share the good news (Luke 24:33). What changed? Joy. Revelation. Hope reignited. And that spark compelled them to speak.

Lesson:
Evangelism is not a burden—it’s the natural response to encountering the risen Christ. If you constantly shy away from sharing your faith, it may be time to re-examine your understanding of the gospel you received and your relationship with Jesus.

The book of Acts (Luke’s second volume) continues this pattern, showing the apostles living and dying to tell others about Jesus. And all through the Gospels, we see the same thing: the Samaritan woman, Bartimaeus, the man from the Gerasenes – they all went and told others after their encounter with Jesus. If you have truly encountered Christ, don’t shut up about Him. Stand up for His truth at all times.

Jesus didn’t leave us with a mission and no help. In Luke 24:46–49, He gave the Great Commission – to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name – and then promised the Holy Spirit to empower us. We are not alone. The work of evangelism, the courage to speak out, the strength to stand – none of it comes from ourselves. It is a work the Holy Spirit does through us. We should constantly pray, “Holy Spirit, help me walk this walk. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading, bold in my faith, and joyful in sharing Jesus.”

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and He will return soon to take us home. But while we’re still here on earth, let’s live like we believe He’s alive. Let’s stand firm on His word. And let’s testify like we’ve just seen the risen King.

Nourish Your Spirit