What does Luke 24:33 mean?

The two disciples mentioned in this passage woke believing Jesus—their rabbi and the man they believed to be the Christ—was dead and buried. Gradually, they learned more. The tomb was empty. Angels said He'd risen from the grave. The Jewish Scriptures prophesied the Christ would suffer like He did. Jesus is alive (Luke 24:1–31)!

It's getting late, but they can't stay. They walk back to Jerusalem, to the room where Jesus' disciples are staying—probably hiding (John 20:19)—to tell them the news. Judas is gone, of course, but the other eleven are there, along with several others. They had heard the same account from the women about the tomb and the angels. They had heard Peter and John give their own report about the empty grave. Their friends need to know that Jesus really is alive.

When the two men arrive, however, they can't even get their story out. Immediately, the crowd inside exclaims, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (Luke 24:34). Peter has seen Jesus, too (1 Corinthians 15:5).

Luke mentions the "eleven." That term doesn't mean all eleven remaining primary disciples are present. Like Mark uses "the Twelve" to refer to the group no matter how many apostles are present, Luke is using "eleven." Elsewhere Luke will explain that Judas is not there because he killed himself (Acts 1:18–19). But Thomas isn't there, either. He will arrive after Jesus leaves. He won't believe the account of the witnesses, so Jesus will come eight days later, for him. This whole week demonstrates Jesus' gracious accommodation when our faith is weak (John 20:24–29).