Luke 24

Scripture Focus:
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
— Luke 24:5 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

The story that began in Bethlehem now bursts open at an empty tomb.
The One who was born in a manger, who healed the broken and carried the cross, now rises in glory. Death has not had the final word—life has.

Luke 24 is a chapter of wonder and awakening. Women come to the tomb expecting to anoint a body, but instead they find radiant messengers and an empty space. Two disciples walk a dusty road, hearts heavy with disappointment, until a stranger joins them and their hearts begin to burn within them. And finally, as bread is broken, they see—it’s Jesus. He is alive.

Advent anticipation gives way to resurrection joy. The Christ we waited for has come and conquered even death. Every promise fulfilled. Every sorrow met with hope. Every ending transformed into a new beginning.

This final chapter reminds us that the story of Jesus is not one of past events—it’s the living story of God at work now. The Risen Christ still walks with us, opens our eyes, and sets our hearts ablaze with faith.

Prayer

Risen Christ,
You turn our mourning into dancing,
our fear into faith,
our despair into joy.
Thank You for walking beside us even when we do not recognize You.
Open our eyes to see You in every place where life is breaking through.
Let the hope of resurrection take root in us
so that we may live as people of light and love.
Amen.

Practice

As you finish the Gospel of Luke, pause to look back over your journey.
Think about what has stirred your heart, what you’ve discovered, what you’ve remembered.
Write a short prayer of gratitude for the ways Christ has been made known to you.

Then, if you can, share a word of resurrection hope with someone today—
a message, a note, a kind gesture.
The good news is too great to keep to ourselves:
He is risen, indeed.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander