Revelation 17-18 focus on the fall of Babylon the “great prostitute.” The destruction of this bed of sexual immorality and idolatry will be mourned by people the world over, because the leaders of the world have indulged in “her” immorality and idolatry. As we read through the two chapters what stands out is while all the mourning is going on, no one attempts to help the prostitute. No one doubts her judgment is just, or they fear retribution if they get involved. We’ve all heard the saying, “As thick as thieves,” meaning there’s loyalty among thieves, but in this case, there will be no loyalty among those who watch the decimation of the core of the evil on the earth.
In Revelation 19, we read of a celebration in heaven for the destruction of Babylon and the beginning of the true beginning. What that means is Jesus comes forth on a white horse and rides out to bring judgment on the earth. We’re told the judgment comes from the sword of His mouth. Again, some consider this to be a literal sword, while others recognize, Jesus created the universe with a word, and He can judge it the same way.
As we return to Luke 24, Jesus rises from the dead, and leaves the tomb, before the women who came to embalm Him arrive. When they enter the tomb, they find it empty, except for two angels who remind them of Jesus’ promise to rise from the dead. The women run to the disciples and tell them what they saw, but the disciples don’t believe the women.
Luke moves to a scene with two men, disciples of Jesus, but not members of the twelve, who were walking from Jerusalem to their home in Emmaus. Jesus appears to them, but they don’t recognize Him. When they tell them why they’re upset, Jesus goes through the Scriptures pointing out how they confirm the Messiah would be crucified and rise again. As they reach their home, Jesus acts as if He is going to continue on, but they invite Him into their house. When Jesus breaks bread in front of them, they recognize Him, and He disappears. The men run back to Jerusalem and find the disciples. As they tell their story Jesus appears. He greets them all, comforts them and then tells them to wait until He sends the “Promise of His Father,” which is the Holy Spirit. Because Luke also wrote Acts, we’re left hanging a bit as to what happens next. Luke picks that up in Acts 1, and that’s when Jesus returns to heaven.