Luke 24:23 – “But they did not find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the two disciples continue explaining to the stranger on the road to Emmaus (who is actually Jesus) what had happened that morning. The women who had gone to the tomb found it empty and reported seeing a vision of angels who announced that Jesus was alive. However, even with this incredible testimony, the disciples remained unsure of what to believe. Their struggle to grasp the resurrection shows the tension between their amazement and their doubt.
The fact that Jesus’ body was missing left the disciples in confusion. They knew the tomb was empty, but they didn’t immediately interpret this as a sign of victory. Instead, they wrestled with fear, uncertainty, and the seeming impossibility of the resurrection. This verse shows that the disciples needed more than the report of the women—they needed to encounter the risen Christ for themselves.
Historical Context
The Jewish burial custom involved wrapping the body in linen cloths with spices, and Jesus had been buried in a tomb sealed with a large stone (Luke 23:53-55). When the women arrived early on Sunday morning, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. In Jewish thought, the idea of resurrection wasn’t foreign—many believed in a future resurrection at the end of time—but the idea of one man rising from the dead ahead of everyone else was unprecedented.
The mention of angels is significant because angelic appearances often accompany major events in God’s plan (Luke 1:11-13, Matthew 28:2-7). The angels confirmed the resurrection, but the disciples were slow to accept this testimony due to their grief and confusion.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the human tendency to doubt God’s promises, especially when they don’t align with human experience. The disciples had heard Jesus predict His resurrection (Luke 9:22), but they struggled to believe it when faced with the empty tomb. This shows that faith isn’t just about hearing the truth—it’s about trusting it, even when it defies logic or expectation.
The disciples’ doubt also demonstrates that faith often requires a personal encounter with Jesus. Hearing the testimony of others is important, but true belief comes when people experience Jesus for themselves. Later, Jesus would reveal Himself to the disciples, solidifying their faith and transforming them into bold witnesses of His resurrection.
Additionally, this verse teaches that God’s plan often unfolds in ways that require faith and patience. The empty tomb wasn’t an immediate source of joy for the disciples because they didn’t yet see the full picture. Faith requires trusting that God is working, even when we don’t fully understand.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s narrative builds suspense by showing how the disciples gradually process the reports of the empty tomb and the vision of angels. The phrase “they did not find his body” emphasizes the mystery and sets the stage for the climactic revelation when Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples. The mention of angels adds a supernatural element, pointing to the divine nature of the resurrection.
The structure of this passage reflects a journey from doubt to faith. The disciples start by recounting their confusion and disappointment, but by the end of the story, they will recognize Jesus and understand the truth of His resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 24:1-6 – The women find the empty tomb and are told by angels that Jesus has risen.
- Matthew 28:5-7 – The angel tells the women not to be afraid and announces the resurrection.
- Mark 16:5-7 – An angel tells the women that Jesus is not in the tomb because He has risen.
- John 20:1-10 – Peter and John also find the empty tomb but do not fully understand its significance.
- 1 Corinthians 15:14 – Paul emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection to the Christian faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that faith often requires trusting in God’s promises, even when we don’t fully understand how they will come to pass. The disciples had seen the empty tomb and heard the testimony of the women, but they still struggled with doubt. This reflects the reality of faith as a journey—it’s okay to have questions, but we are called to keep seeking Jesus.
This verse also encourages believers to listen to the testimony of others in the faith community. The women’s testimony, though initially doubted, was true. Today, Christians can be strengthened by hearing how God has worked in the lives of others and by reflecting on Scripture’s trustworthy witness to the risen Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He reveals the truth of the resurrection gradually, meeting people where they are in their doubt and confusion. Even though the disciples didn’t immediately understand, God didn’t leave them in their uncertainty. He provided multiple witnesses—angels, the women, and later Jesus Himself—to lead them to faith.
This verse also highlights God’s grace in using people who were slow to believe as key witnesses of the resurrection. Instead of condemning them for their doubts, Jesus would patiently reveal Himself to them, showing that God’s love is patient and persistent.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The empty tomb and the angels’ announcement point directly to Jesus as the risen Savior. His resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith, proving that He has conquered sin and death. Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would have been meaningless, but because He rose, believers have the assurance of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:17).
The fact that the disciples didn’t find His body is a reminder that Jesus’ resurrection was a physical, bodily event. He wasn’t just a spirit or a vision—He rose in bodily form, showing that His victory over death was complete. This connects to the future hope of believers, who will also experience resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples were slow to believe the women’s report, even though they had seen the empty tomb?
- How can this verse help you trust God’s promises, even when His plans seem hard to understand?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you struggled to believe something about God until you experienced it personally?
- What role does the testimony of others play in strengthening your faith?
- How does the empty tomb give you confidence in the power of Jesus’ resurrection and its significance for your life today?