Reading Luke in Easter - Luke 24: 50-53

For the final five podcasts 'Reading Luke in Lent' becomes 'Reading Luke in Easter' for Easter Week. Today we read Luke, Chapter 24: 50-53. In subtle ways Luke shows Jesus to be priest, prophet and king. At the Transfiguration Jesus spoke of his exodus which he would accomplish in Jerusalem. Jesus’ exodus echoes that of Moses the prophet and includes death, resurrection and ascension into glory. It was in Bethany that the Palm Sunday procession began and Jesus was acclaimed king. Before ascending into heaven, as the prophet Elijah did, Jesus raises his hands to bless them — a sign of priestly ministry. Luke brings the whole of Gospel to a close in the same place where he began it — in the temple in Jerusalem. From there forgiveness will be proclaimed to all nations. 'Reading Luke in Easter' concludes our series of simple podcasts offering daily readings from St Luke that cover the Gospel from start to finish - from Ash Wednesday to the first week of Easter.