Luke 24:52

KJV

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they {G846} worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, and returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} with {G3326} great {G3173} joy {G5479}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy.

Berean Standard Bible

And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

American Standard Version

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:52 encapsulates the profound transformation of the disciples following Jesus' ascension. Far from despair or confusion, they respond with immediate and heartfelt worship, acknowledging His divine authority and completed redemptive work. Their subsequent return to Jerusalem, marked by "great joy," signifies their obedient anticipation of the promised Holy Spirit and their readiness to embark on the global mission entrusted to them, setting the stage for the birth of the Church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Luke's Gospel, immediately following the [ascension of Jesus Christ](/luke/24-51 "Luke 24:51 - The Ascension of Jesus"). The preceding narrative in [Luke 24](/luke/24 "Luke 24 - The Resurrection and Ascension") details Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, His teaching on the fulfillment of prophecy concerning His suffering and glory, and His commission to the disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem ([Luke 24:44-48](/luke/24-44-48 "Luke 24:44-48 - The Great Commission")). Critically, Jesus instructs them to remain in Jerusalem until they are "clothed with power from on high" ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Luke 24:52 is not merely a concluding statement but a bridge, demonstrating the disciples' obedient response to Jesus' final command and setting the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, as narrated in the opening chapters of [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "Acts 1 - The Ascension and Promise of the Holy Spirit"), also penned by Luke.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem, a place with deep prophetic significance. Jerusalem itself was the spiritual and political heart of Judaism, the site of the Temple, and the expected place for the Messiah's reign to commence. For the disciples, who had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion in this very city, their return to Jerusalem after His ascension was an act of profound faith and obedience. Culturally, "worship" (proskynéō) in the ancient Near East often involved physical prostration, a gesture of ultimate submission and reverence, typically reserved for deities or kings. The disciples' act of worshipping Jesus, a man they had walked with, signifies a radical shift in their understanding of His identity, now fully comprehending Him as divine Lord. Their joy, rather than sorrow at His departure, defied conventional human response to loss, hinting at a supernatural understanding rooted in their newfound faith in His victory and promises.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:52 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Luke's narrative and the broader biblical story. Firstly, it highlights the **Exaltation of Christ**, as the disciples' act of worship unequivocally affirms Jesus' divine status and His triumph over death and sin, now seated at the right hand of God. This worship is the appropriate response to the revelation of God's power and plan through Christ, fulfilling prophecies about His kingship. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Supernatural Joy in the Face of Apparent Loss**. Instead of mourning Jesus' physical absence, the disciples are filled with "great joy," a spiritual gladness rooted in their understanding of His victory, the certainty of His return, and the imminent promise of the Holy Spirit ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). This joy transcends earthly circumstances, demonstrating the transformative power of faith and hope in Christ's finished work. Finally, the disciples' **Obedient Anticipation** is a crucial theme. Their return to Jerusalem was a direct act of obedience to Jesus' instruction ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), demonstrating their faith and readiness to receive the "power from on high" necessary for their future ministry. This obedience bridges the narrative to the book of Acts, where the Church is established and empowered to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit and Witness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō_'):** From the Greek G4352, this word literally means "to fawn or crouch to," like a dog licking its master's hand, and figuratively, "to prostrate oneself in homage," "to do reverence to," or "to adore." Its application here to Jesus is profoundly significant, signifying the disciples' full acknowledgment of His divine nature and supreme authority, a gesture typically reserved for God alone.
* **returned (Greek, _hypostréphō_'):** Derived from the Greek G5290, meaning "to turn under (behind)" or "to return (literally or figuratively)." This word highlights the disciples' deliberate and obedient action of going back to Jerusalem, directly fulfilling Jesus' command to wait there for the Holy Spirit ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), rather than dispersing or grieving.
* **great joy (Greek, _mégas chará_'):** Comprising G3173 ("big, great, mighty") and G5479 ("cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness, joy"), this phrase describes an extraordinary, profound, and deep-seated spiritual gladness. It is not merely happiness based on circumstances but a supernatural joy rooted in their understanding of Christ's triumph, His promises, and the certainty of His future reign and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they worshipped him":** This clause reveals the immediate and primary response of the disciples to Jesus' ascension. Their act of worship signifies a pivotal shift in their understanding of Jesus. No longer merely a prophet, teacher, or even Messiah in the traditional Jewish sense, He is now recognized as the exalted Lord, worthy of divine adoration. This worship is an acknowledgment of His victory over death, His rightful place at the right hand of God, and His supreme authority over all creation. It demonstrates their full acceptance of His deity and their submission to His lordship.
* **"and returned to Jerusalem":** This phrase describes the disciples' obedient action following their worship. Jesus had explicitly commanded them to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Their immediate return, despite having just witnessed His physical departure, underscores their faith and trust in His words. Jerusalem, the place of His crucifixion and resurrection, was now to be the birthplace of the Church and the launching point for the global mission. Their return was not a retreat but a strategic positioning for what was to come.
* **"with great joy":** This final clause describes the surprising emotional state of the disciples. In human terms, one might expect sorrow or confusion at the physical departure of their Lord. Instead, they are filled with an overwhelming, supernatural joy. This "great joy" is a testament to their spiritual understanding: they grasped that Jesus' ascension was not an abandonment but a glorious culmination of His earthly ministry, a necessary step for His exaltation and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Their joy was rooted in the certainty of His promises, His victory, and the anticipation of His empowering presence through the Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:52 employs several literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Contrast** is evident in the disciples' unexpected reaction: instead of the sorrow typically associated with separation, they are filled with "great joy." This highlights the supernatural nature of their faith and the profound impact of Jesus' resurrection and ascension. **Symbolism** is present in their return to Jerusalem; the city, once the place of Jesus' suffering and death, now becomes the symbolic epicenter for the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, transforming its meaning from a place of tragedy to one of divine empowerment. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the events of Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), where the promised power from on high descends, enabling the disciples to fulfill the Great Commission. The act of **Worship** itself, involving prostration, is a symbolic gesture conveying ultimate submission and adoration, visually representing the disciples' complete surrender to Jesus' divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:52 provides a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's post-resurrection identity and the appropriate response of His followers. The disciples' immediate worship of the ascended Jesus unequivocally affirms His divine sovereignty and His completed work of redemption. Their "great joy" is a Spirit-empowered response, demonstrating that Christian joy is not contingent on physical presence but on spiritual understanding and the certainty of God's promises. This joy fuels their obedience, as they return to Jerusalem to await the Holy Spirit, signifying that true discipleship is characterized by worship, Spirit-filled gladness, and active obedience to Christ's commands, preparing them for their mission as witnesses to the ends of the earth.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 24:52 offers a timeless blueprint for the believer's response to the ascended Christ. Though we do not physically witness His ascension, we are called to a similar posture of worship, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. Our lives should be characterized by continuous adoration, not merely in formal settings but in every aspect of our daily existence, offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Furthermore, the "great joy" of the disciples reminds us that true Christian joy is not dependent on favorable circumstances but flows from our relationship with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This supernatural joy enables us to navigate trials with hope, knowing that Christ reigns and His promises are unfailing. Finally, like the disciples, we are called to live in active obedience to Christ's commands, trusting in His guidance and anticipating the ongoing work of His Spirit in our lives and through His Church. Our obedience, empowered by worship and joy, becomes a powerful expression of our faith and a catalyst for participating in His kingdom work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a posture of worship towards the ascended Christ?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a "great joy" that transcends my circumstances, rooted in Christ's victory and promises?**
* **What specific commands of Jesus am I being called to obey, and how does my obedience demonstrate my trust in His empowering Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples filled with joy instead of sadness after Jesus ascended?**

Answer: The disciples' joy, rather than sorrow, was a profound testament to their transformed understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. Previously, they might have mourned His physical departure, but after His resurrection appearances and teachings, they understood that His ascension was not an abandonment but a glorious culmination of His earthly work. It signified His exaltation to the right hand of God the Father, His victory over sin and death, and the necessary prelude to sending the Holy Spirit ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure")). Their joy was supernatural, rooted in faith in His promises, the certainty of His return, and the anticipation of being empowered by the Spirit to continue His work ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). It was a joy born of spiritual insight into God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:52, with its depiction of the disciples worshipping the ascended Christ and returning to Jerusalem with great joy, powerfully foreshadows the ongoing reality of Christ's reign and the mission of His Church. Jesus' ascension was not a departure into absence but an exaltation to universal Lordship, where He now intercedes for believers at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). The disciples' worship is the appropriate response to the "Lamb who was slain" and is now "worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). Their "great joy" anticipates the Spirit-filled life promised to all believers, a joy that transcends earthly circumstances because it is rooted in Christ's finished work and the assurance of His presence through the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Their obedient return to Jerusalem, awaiting the Spirit's power, directly sets the stage for Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), demonstrating that the Church's mission is empowered by the ascended Christ through His Spirit, enabling believers to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit and Witness")). Thus, Luke 24:52 is a Christ-centered moment, revealing the proper response to our reigning King and the Spirit-empowered anticipation of His continued work through His body, the Church, until His glorious return ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:9

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Psalms 30:11

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Matthew 28:17

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

John 20:28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

1 Peter 1:8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

John 14:28

¶ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.