36 And as they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst, and says to them, Peace [be] unto you. 37 But they, being confounded and being frightened, supposed they beheld a spirit. 38 And he said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why are thoughts rising in your hearts? 39 behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me and see, for a spirit has not flesh and bones as ye see me having. 40 And having said this he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 But while they yet did not believe for joy, and were wondering, he said to them, Have ye anything here to eat? 42 And they gave him part of a broiled fish and of a honeycomb; 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 And he said to them, These [are] the words which I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all that is written concerning me in the law of Moses and prophets and psalms must be fulfilled. 45 Then he opened their understanding to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved the Christ to suffer, and to rise from among the dead the third day; 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the 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 do ye remain in the city till ye be clothed with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and having lifted up his hands, he blessed them. 51 And it came to pass as he was blessing them, he was separated from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they, having done him homage, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 24:36-53
Commentary on Luke 24:36-49
(Read Luke 24:36-49)
Jesus appeared in a miraculous manner, assuring the disciples of his peace, though they had so lately forsaken him, and promising spiritual peace with every blessing. Many troublesome thoughts which disquiet our minds, rise from mistakes concerning Christ. All the troublesome thoughts which rise in our hearts at any time, are known to the Lord Jesus, and are displeasing to him. He spake with them on their unreasonable unbelief. Nothing had passed but what was foretold by the prophets, and necessary for the salvation of sinners. And now all men should be taught the nature and necessity of repentance, in order to the forgiveness of their sins. And these blessings were to be sought for, by faith in the name of Jesus. Christ by his Spirit works on the minds of men. Even good men need to have their understandings opened. But that we may have right thoughts of Christ, there needs no more than to be made to understand the Scriptures.
Commentary on Luke 24:50-53
(Read Luke 24:50-53)
Christ ascended from Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. There was the garden in which his sufferings began; there he was in his agony. Those that would go to heaven, must ascend thither from the house of sufferings and sorrows. The disciples did not see him rise out of the grave; his resurrection could be proved by their seeing him alive afterwards: but they saw him ascend into heaven; they could not otherwise have a proof of his ascension. He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. He did not go away in displeasure, but in love, he left a blessing behind him. As he arose, so he ascended, by his own power. They worshipped him. This fresh display of Christ's glory drew from them fresh acknowledgments. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The glory of Christ is the joy of all true believers, even while they are here in this world. While waiting for God's promises, we must go forth to meet them with our praises. And nothing better prepares the mind for receiving the Holy Ghost. Fears are silenced, sorrows sweetened and allayed, and hopes kept up. And this is the ground of a Christian's boldness at the throne of grace; yea, the Father's throne is the throne of grace to us, because it is also the throne of our Mediator, Jesus Christ. Let us rely on his promises, and plead them. Let us attend his ordinances, praise and bless God for his mercies, set our affections on things above, and expect the Redeemer's return to complete our happiness. Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.