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The Gospel According to Luke: Chapter 1
The Gospel According to Luke: Chapter 1
Introduction
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught..."
Introduction
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught..."
Today's chapter demonstrates from the very beginning that Luke focuses on how the "lowly are raised high... the hungry are filled... and those in darkness have found great light." The work of Jesus is to transform our lives. Look for this incredible theme throughout Luke's Gospel.
Notice also that Luke connects this story to the ancient prophecies of Israel and that, as a good Greek scholar, he makes sure we know he has researched the eyewitnesses and the sources.
Chapter 2
The birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus
"...So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."
How many years we have listened to these words and celebrated the occasion of Christmas! We feast, exchange gifts, sing, dance and celebrate in warmth and comfort. Yet here, perhaps unnoticed by us, is an image of real poverty and challenge. In fact, later in this chapter we see confirmation of this as Mary and Joseph offer a "pair of doves," the offering reserved for those who "can't afford a lamb." (Leviticus 12; 8)
But notice how they grow into a family who are so happy to travel to Jerusalem with their family and neighbours that they even lose their son! They are surrounded by relatives and friends. Their community supports and cares for one another! Once again, Luke shows how the Lord understands our needs and our lives.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
John the Baptist prepares the way
John the Baptist prepares the way
"A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord...""
Once again Luke points out the great leaders of the country and of the Temple at the time of Jesus' baptism and the beginning of his ministry. Yet it is to the prophet in the desert that Christ comes. He is here as a man and yet here he is the 'beloved son' of God. With his genealogy, Luke points out that Jesus the man is the Son of God but also that, from now on, we are all sons and daughters of God.
Above: An artist's image of Jesus preaching in the synagogue.
Below: the remains of the 4th century synagogue in Capernaum. You can clearly see the dark foundation stones which were part of the original building from Jesus' time.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
The Authority of Jesus
‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
This chapter is perhaps best summed up as a discussion of the authority of Jesus. He rejects Satan and his temptations to wealth, power and glory and clearly begins to teach that the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. Instead, we hear the words of consolation and hope from Isaiah, one of our companions throughout the readings of Advent, that the poor, the imprisoned and the oppressed will see and hear the Good News of freedom. Just like today, some accepted him and some did not, but his teaching made a "deep impression on them as he spoke with authority."
This chapter is perhaps best summed up as a discussion of the authority of Jesus. He rejects Satan and his temptations to wealth, power and glory and clearly begins to teach that the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. Instead, we hear the words of consolation and hope from Isaiah, one of our companions throughout the readings of Advent, that the poor, the imprisoned and the oppressed will see and hear the Good News of freedom. Just like today, some accepted him and some did not, but his teaching made a "deep impression on them as he spoke with authority."
Most importantly, the chapter begins and ends with quiet prayer. Jesus takes time away from the hustle and bustle to speak to the Father and to listen to the source of all life. He listens quietly to God then sets out on the road to do God's will.
Jesus calls his first disciples
Jesus calls his first disciples
5 "One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret... he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’"
Jesus is not at all like other rabbis. He mixes with outcasts, sinners and lowly fishermen! In today's chapter he brings Simon Peter into his work, heals various illnesses, forgives sins then finally joins tax collectors for dinner. Jesus always reaches out to those who are most on the margins of society. And in doing so, he sets a striking example for all of us. It is not enough to simply remain where we are comfortable but we must out out into the deep and terrifying water and trust him.
6 ... 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
In today's chapter Jesus selects his disciples and trains them to understand the Beatitudes. He teaches them to love their enemies, to be merciful, to avoid judging others and to listen to his teaching. Jesus' words are revolutionary. At a time when the Chosen People were conquered and oppressed, he taught mercy, compassion and love for enemies. It's the fact that he goes on to show them exactly how to live this way that makes his ministry and his teaching take root so deeply in the hearts of most of these twelve men and in so many of those who followed him.
The Faith of the Centurion
The Faith of the Centurion
7 "When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them."
This chapter demonstrates a contrast between the different people who interact with Jesus. We meet a Roman, a widow, a "sinful woman," a pharisee and some of John the Baptist's disciples. Jesus praises the virtues of these people. We are told he is "amazed" by the centurion's faith; he calls John "a prophet...and more than a prophet." Then he tells us that "there is no one greater..." Finally, he admires the "great love" of the sinful woman. In contrast the pharisee, although he is hosting Jesus at dinner, is seen as quite judgemental and arrogant.
In all of these interactions we see the character of Jesus: He is the Lord who looks on all of these people in their need, and who looks on all of us in our needs, and "his heart goes out to them" (verse 13)
This ancient drawing of the woman touching Jesus' cloak is from the 4th Century AD.
The Parable of the Sower
The Parable of the Sower
8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
In chapter 8 Jesus moves on from his teaching of the famous Beatitudes to telling the people about what he calls "the Kingdom of God." It becomes clear that this will not be understood and accepted by everyone but that those who do accept it become a light for everyone to see by.
He begins to demonstrate through signs or "miracles" who he is. We see that he has power over the physical elements as he calms a storm, the spiritual world as he casts out demons, sickness as he heals and even over death as he raises Jairus' daughter. It becomes clear that to be part of his Kingdom is a source of life and hope. Draw close to the Rabbi who heals and invites us to know him more.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
9 "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
Luke takes a dramatic turn in this chapter. Up until now we have heard Jesus ask people not to speak about him yet. Now he is sending out his disciples to proclaim his message of forgiveness and healing. People are starting to see what he is and what his Kingdom means and Herod is horrified!
Imagine what it would be like to be Peter at this point. Back in his hometown of Bethsaida, the people are flocking to Jesus! He sees Jesus miraculously feed the thousands of people who have come to listen. Overwhelmed by such events, perhaps it's not surprising that Peter is now almost certain of who Jesus is, "You are the Messiah of God."
As if that's not enough, this chapter also tells of the Transfiguration where Peter goes to the mountain to pray with Jesus and sees an incredible vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah, the ancient Jewish heroes. In his confusion he offers to build tents for them!
But in the midst of these incredible revelations to Peter he also hears a sobering message: Jesus predicts that he will have to lay down his life.
Peter must have wondered at this. Why would someone who was surrounded by such signs and wonders talk about children and about being little instead of being great? Surely he could overthrow the Romans or the imposter King Herod. Once again we are reminded of how Luke began his Gospel. This is a story of how the "Little ones have ben raised up." As Mary said:
"He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."
Jesus sends out the seventy-two
Jesus sends out the seventy-two
10 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
These famous words of Jesus again encourage his disciples to go out and spread the good news of Jesus the Messiah, the one promised to save the people and bring the Kingdom of God. However, perhaps what jumps out of this chapter is the story of the Good Samaritan. This story is only found in Luke's Gospel and yet it has had an incredible impact on our society. Very few people in "the west" have not heard of this man, a victim of hatred and even racism, who goes out of his way to help a man in need even although he is different to him. Do we go out of our way to help others or do we only help when it is convenient to us? Jesus does not leave space for our convenience but challenges us to do more and to go out of our way to love.
Jesus’ teaching on prayer
Jesus’ teaching on prayer
11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’
Jesus goes on to teach his disciples the Our Father, a prayer said by all Christians to this day. He also teaches about being faithful in prayer and being hopeful in prayer, knowing that, if God is a loving father, then he will want what is best for his children.
On the other hand, Jesus challenges those of his time who had authority and only seemed to be using it to keep people down. The Pharisees and teachers of Moses' law are left in no doubt about what Jesus thinks of the way they are treating people who are genuinely seeking their spiritual guidance and help. There is no room for exploitation or hypocrisy!
Jesus also teaches some more about spirits and the work of the Devil. It is not common to talk about these sorts of things in our times as if they are somehow old fashioned superstitions, and yet Luke's Gospel has been full of examples of Jesus' authority over the material, physical world and the spiritual world. Jesus insists we take care of the spiritual: be careful of what fills our eyes he says, what we watch and read, because that can fill you with light or with darkness!
Advent is a time to be filled with light. Look to those in need and notice them. Think of how you can support them or help them feel the dignity that all the children of God have. Remember, Jesus taught us that God was "Our Father."
Do Not Worry
12 "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."
Chapter 12 sees Jesus take his disciples and some of the other listeners through a variety of warnings and encouragements. Luke tells us that some of the things he says are just to his disciples as a sort of commentary on what he is teaching the 'thousands' in the crowd. So, as he finishes talking to the crowd about the foolishness of relying on wealth, he turns to Peter and the disciples and says "do not worry about...such things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
Jesus uses the beauty of creation, the birds and the wild flowers, to explain to the disciples that if God cares about them, he must care about his children infinitely more.
As he challenges us to be watchful and faithful followers, even in the midst of difficulty and challenge, he offers us the sure and certain comfort that we are loved by God.
Repent or perish
Repent or perish
13 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
He calls the people to repentance and warns them that failure to do so can lead to death. It is clear that he means a spiritual death. Yet he also goes on, in chapter 13 to continue to challenge the authorities for their dominance over the people. Many of them have made exceptions to the Law of Moses to allow people to save their live stock on the Sabbath even although it is 'work.' Jesus challenges them, how much more valuable are your people than your business?
Jesus at a Pharisee’s house
Jesus at a Pharisee’s house
14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
Jesus continues to challenge the Pharisees and the attitudes of the people. "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted." Does Jesus really want us to only invite people who are desperately in need to our feasts and parties? Perhaps, but it is also likely that our parties and festivals symbolise who we care most about, whose opinion we seek to please, who we strive to be friends with and to show love to.
The parable of the lost sheep
The parable of the lost sheep
15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.’
This second verse must be one of the most hopeful and important verses of the Gospel: this man welcomes sinners! Jesus goes on to tell three well known stories about recovering what has been lost ending with the most important. If you celebrate when you find a lost coin or a lost animal, how much more will God rejoice in finding his lost children.
As far back as the story of Moses in Egypt, at the start of the Bible, God has called Israel his "first born son." Jesus explains to his listeners that they are like the elder son as they have always known the love of God the Father, even although they may take it for granted. He has also come however, to welcome home his 'younger son,' the non-Israelites, the Gentiles, the sinners, those who have never heard of God's love.
There is no other Gospel that recalls this story and yet it is one of the most enduring pictures of the Father's love as he runs from a distance to welcome home his son before he even has a chance to apologise.
Let's turn or return to God's loving mercy today.
The parable of the shrewd manager
The parable of the shrewd manager
16 Jesus told his disciples: ‘There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, “What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.”
Jesus speaks in parables about God's Kingdom and some of what he says can be confusing and difficult. Reading the whole Gospel together, chapter by chapter, reminds us who he is talking to and what he says to them each day and this helps us to understand. Some of those listening to Jesus have essentially turned their back on God and his teaching or "the Law and the Prophets", as Jesus says a few times. These Pharisees seem to want the best of both worlds: the comfort that you are on God's side and the comforts of the world and wealth. Jesus, on the other hand, encourages his followers to use money but never rely on it. In this context he reminds his listeners that trying to serve both is like cheating in a marriage, an analogy from the prophets that the Pharisees would know well.
The chapter ends with a solemn story about the danger of living a life of luxury that ignores the poor. Perhaps this is a challenge to us to never try to serve God and money. It seems that it is impossible to ignore the plight of those in need if you want to be part of this Kingdom of God.
Sin, faith, duty
Sin, faith, duty
17 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied round their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
‘If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying “I repent,” you must forgive them.'
Jesus encourages mercy from his disciples but also teaches about duty and about being ready for his Kingdom. It seems he calls us to always be prepared, always be merciful and always be grateful as the Samaritan leper was grateful to Jesus for healing him.
The parable of the persistent widow
The parable of the persistent widow
18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Jesus continues to teach what it means to be part of the Kingdom of God. He tells us it is hard for "the rich" and for the Pharisees or all those who look down on others to be part of this. Instead, two groups of people are highlighted as those who are in tune with his kingdom: those who are repentant and humble like the tax collector or the blind man and those who are like children.
What does this mean? Quite simply that we should strive after humility and simplicity of heart. If we want to truly see God's Kingdom and if we want to truly understand Jesus, who he is and how he transforms our lives, then we must try to get rid of all the distractions such as money, influence, recognition and comparisons!
What better time to do this than Advent? Let's be like the blind man who hears that someone special is coming. Even although people try to stop him, he shouts out to Jesus for help because he wants to see! Maybe we don't recognise Jesus in Christmas, in our carols, in our lives or even in our Christmas services such as Mass. But he is there. Let's pray that we see and recognise him and his love for us.
Zacchaeus the tax collector
Zacchaeus the tax collector
19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Jesus has been travelling throughout the last few chapters and has finally passed through Jericho, the last major town on the road to Jerusalem. Yesterday a blind man heard that he was passing by and wanted to see him, today a little tax collector hears he is passing and also wants to see him. So, once again, we have this theme of people who are most in need recognising Jesus before any of the supposedly holy people do. Indeed, when he finally arrives to Jerusalem he weeps because God's salvation is "hidden from your eyes."
Throughout this Gospel Jesus has raised up the "little ones" and condemned those who were trusted and were supposed to teach God's mercy and he has invited his disciples truly to see who he is and what it means to be part of his Kingdom. As he enters the Golden Gate right into the Temple in Jerusalem, it seems like he is a king entering his kingdom. Luke reminds us of the events surrounding Jesus' Nativity: the people shout in a 'loud voice' just like Elizabeth did when Mary visited her in Luke chapter 1 (the Gospel reading at Mass today) “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" Now they shout, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" The other similarity is to the angels who sang "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace..." Now the people shout: "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Jesus arriving in Jerusalem for this final time is as glorious as his arrival on earth in the Nativity at Christmas.
Jerusalem today from the mount of Olives. The gate of the triumphal entry (on the far right) is bricked up.
Elizabeth shouts aloud at the arrival of Mary and her child in the womb.
Above: a reconstruction of Herod's temple as it would have looked at the time of Jesus when crowds gathered to hear him teach. Below: huge crowds of Jewish men still gather to pray at the last remaining wall of the temple in Jerusalem.
The authority of Jesus questioned
The authority of Jesus questioned
20 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2 ‘Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,’ they said. ‘Who gave you this authority?’
Now in the Temple, Jesus is challenged by the priests of the temple and lawyers. Many of them are Sadducees who have found favour with the Romans. They try to trap him in various ways with questions about the Law of Moses. He answers their questions and teaches once again about how they have neglected what they were supposed to do in caring for the widows and the needy. At the end of the chapter he turns to his disciples and explains this. The teachers in Jerusalem are more interested in show and in power than in truly learning about Jesus and his teaching as Messiah.
Chapter 20 is another opportunity for us to think about who this Messiah is, to take time in the final few days of Advent to ask him to teach us who he is and how he wants us to live our lives.
The widow’s offering
The widow’s offering
21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’
Jesus is now regularly teaching and praying in the temple. He observes this woman with very little money putting in her two coins and he compliments her on her generosity. What she does is worth more to him than those who put in far more money as she gives everything she has.
Jesus goes on to speak the final lines of advice to his disciples that Luke records before his Last Supper, Passion and Death. He explains to them that this temple will be destroyed within a lifetime and that they should ensure they "watch and pray" staying ready. Within forty years, the Romans had completely destroyed the temple and carried its treasure off to Rome. You can still see this event commemorated in Titus' arch in the Roman Forum.
Jesus uses this prediction of the temple's destruction to also talk about his own second coming. This is another theme of Advent. We do not know when Jesus will return or when our lives will end, so we use times such as these to be ready or, as Isaiah puts it, to prepare the way for the Lord.
The Arch of Titus as it stands in the midst of the ancient part of Rome. Below, a close up of the soldiers bringing back the Jewish treasures from the temple.
Judas agrees to betray Jesus
Judas agrees to betray Jesus
22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.’
This part of the Gospel is one of the most familiar to us as we read it each Easter. It has betrayal, fear, accusations even sword fighting! Luke describes the agony of Jesus in great detail with details unique to his Gospel. Jesus is accused of blasphemy as he claims the title of God. In the midst of all of this drama, what is clear is that Jesus will lay down his life. As he taught us, there is no greater love than to lay down your life. And as the church teaches us, we find his true self in a sincere gift of our lives for others.
23 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’ 3 So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.
Jesus' death on the cross in chapter 23 may not seem to have much of a connection to his birth in a stable way back in chapter 2. It is a desolate chapter where, for some reason, Luke doesn't mention the names of any of the other people following Jesus. In fact the only person in this whole chapter who stands up for Jesus is the criminal being crucified with him. All through this Gospel, Luke has pointed out how Jesus was the friend of criminals, tax collectors, cheaters, liars and sinners. He really brings it home in this chapter. Remember how the blind man was taught to see? Only the criminal seems to recognise Jesus for who he is. Even on the cross, Jesus reaches out to the marginalised. "Father, forgive them..." he says.
As he is taken down from the cross, he is wrapped in cloth as he was in the stable in Bethlehem. This inspired Michelangelo to create the incredible sculpture depicted here, as he imagined the moment when the mother of Jesus would take her son in her arms again like she did when he was a child. If you look carefully at the sculpture, you notice how she is wrapping the cloth around him with her right hand. You may also notice his right hand. Notice how his fingers are wrapped in her robe. It is an incredible image with so many things to teach us about the love of a mother for her son and the love of Jesus for all of us. Just like we mentioned yesterday, Jesus makes a complete gift of himself for all of us and there is no greater love than that.
Jesus has risen
Jesus has risen
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ 8 Then they remembered his words.
Even at the very end, Luke still points out the theme of eyes being opened. The disciples on the road, the disciples in Jerusalem, even the disciples he appears to do not see clearly. What does happen is that Jesus opens their minds by explaining the scriptures. He explains the Bible to them and how it points so clearly to him. Even then they struggle and it is when he breaks bread that they eventually have their eyes opened.
What he is doing here is establishing how they will still recognise and know him when they no longer see him. For Luke, who probably never met Jesus, this is very important, as it is for us too. We know him because we are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promises in verse 49; we see him in Holy Communion when the priest breaks bread in Mass; we recognise him in one another when we share food and life together in our families, our parishes and communities. In fact, the end of the Gospel is really just the beginning of the road for the disciples.
In verse 36 Luke tells how while the disciples were talking about his Resurrection, Jesus appeared among them bringing peace. Let us welcome him among us this Christmas and celebrate as the disciples do, "with great joy... continually in the temple, praising God."
Above: An ancient Roman road leading from Jerusalem toward where the old village of Emmaus was most likely situated.
Below: A path much closer to home.
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