Worship and return: 'And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.' After Jesus ascends (v. 51), 'they worshipped him' (προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν, proskynēsantes auton)—recognizing His deity. This is significant: Jews worshipped only God (Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 6:4), yet these monotheistic Jews worship Jesus. This confirms His divine nature. They 'returned to Jerusalem with great joy' (ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, hypestrepsan eis Ierousalēm meta charas megalēs). Earlier departures from Jerusalem involved sadness (Emmaus disciples, v. 13-17); now they return joyfully. Resurrection and ascension transformed despair into joy. Jesus' physical absence doesn't diminish their joy—His spiritual presence and promised Spirit sustain them.
Historical Context
The disciples' worship of Jesus is one of many New Testament evidences of His deity. Throughout His ministry, Jesus accepted worship (Matthew 14:33, 28:9, 17, John 9:38, 20:28)—something no mere human or angel could do (Acts 10:25-26, Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9). Their worship confirms they understood Jesus as divine. Their 'great joy' despite Jesus' departure demonstrates mature faith—they don't need His physical presence to have joy because they understand His continuing spiritual presence and promised Spirit. This models Christian experience: though Jesus isn't physically visible, believers have joy through faith, Spirit-presence, and anticipation of His return. The Gospel concludes not with sadness at Jesus' absence but joy in His victory and ongoing presence.
Questions for Reflection
What does the disciples' worship of Jesus reveal about His divine nature?
How does their joy despite Jesus' physical absence demonstrate mature faith?
What sustains Christian joy when Jesus isn't physically present?
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Analysis & Commentary
Worship and return: 'And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.' After Jesus ascends (v. 51), 'they worshipped him' (προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν, proskynēsantes auton)—recognizing His deity. This is significant: Jews worshipped only God (Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 6:4), yet these monotheistic Jews worship Jesus. This confirms His divine nature. They 'returned to Jerusalem with great joy' (ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, hypestrepsan eis Ierousalēm meta charas megalēs). Earlier departures from Jerusalem involved sadness (Emmaus disciples, v. 13-17); now they return joyfully. Resurrection and ascension transformed despair into joy. Jesus' physical absence doesn't diminish their joy—His spiritual presence and promised Spirit sustain them.