What does Luke 24:53 mean?

About thirty-three to thirty-six years before, a priest named Zechariah had won the lot to enter the temple and burn incense. While he was performing his duties, an angel appeared to give him a message. Zechariah's elderly wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son. That son would be born filled with the Holy Spirit. It would be his singular honor to act in the spirit of Elijah and prepare the people for the coming of the Jewish Messiah (Luke 1:8–17).

Fifteen months later, a poor couple took their newborn son to the temple to perform the required sacrifices. While they were there, a righteous and devout man named Simeon found them. He took the baby in his arms and declared Him God's salvation: "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to [God's] people Israel" (Luke 2:22–32). Shortly after, a prophetess named Anna came to the temple, giving thanks to God and speaking "of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:36–38).

Twelve years later, this boy scared His parents when He stayed behind to listen and question the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–51).

In the last few months, the temple has continued to play a significant role in Jesus' life. He cleansed the temple of businessmen who were taking advantage of travelers (Luke 19:45–46). He defended His authority against the most talented Jewish leaders there (Luke 20). Those same leaders resolved to destroy Him (Luke 19:47–48). And He prophesied the temple's destruction (Luke 21:5–9).

Since then, Jesus has been crucified, killed, buried, and raised. He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. His disciples know that He will send the Holy Spirit and, eventually, return. They don't know when or what exactly this means to them. But they have faith that what He promises will come to be.

It's only natural that they now return to the temple to bless God. God has sent His Messiah. He has shown His power and the truth of His word by raising the dead.

They don't yet know that many the priests of the temple are going to continue to reject their Messiah (Acts 6:7) or that the presence of God is moving: transferring from the temple to their hearts. They don't know that they will be arrested by the temple leaders (Acts 4:1–3; 5:25–26). Nor do they realize that Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman will soon come true: "The hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father….But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4:21, 23).

Within forty years, the temple will be destroyed by the Romans, as Jesus promised. For now, the temple stands, so the disciples go and praise God.