Luke 24:6

Luke 24:6 delivers the pivotal message of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse marks the moment when the sorrow and confusion of Jesus' followers began to turn into understanding and profound joy, as the angels declared the impossible truth.

Context of Luke 24:6

This verse is part of the resurrection narrative in Luke's Gospel. Early on the first day of the week, a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, went to Jesus' tomb to anoint His body with spices, expecting to find Him dead (Luke 24:1). They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:3). While perplexed, "behold, two men stood by them in shining garments" (Luke 24:4). It is these angelic beings who utter the life-changing words of verse 6, reminding the women of Jesus' own predictions made during His ministry in Galilee.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Reality of the Resurrection: The core message is unequivocal: "He is not here, but is risen." This declaration confirms the central event of Christian theology—that Jesus conquered death, validating His claims and His sacrifice. The empty tomb is not merely a mystery but proof of His victory.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The angels immediately connect Jesus' resurrection to His prior teachings: "remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee." Jesus had repeatedly foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection, as seen in passages like Luke 9:22 and Luke 18:31-33. The resurrection is thus presented as the direct fulfillment of His divine plan and words.
• Divine Revelation and Remembrance: The angels serve as divine messengers, unveiling the truth to those who were still grieving. Their instruction to "remember" highlights the importance of holding onto Christ's words, especially when circumstances seem to contradict them.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "is risen" is egēgertai (ἐγήγερται). This is a perfect passive indicative form of the verb egeirō, meaning "to raise up" or "to awaken." The perfect tense signifies a completed action with ongoing results—Jesus *has been raised* and *remains* in a resurrected state. It emphasizes the definitive and lasting nature of His victory over death, not merely a temporary revival.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 24:6 serves as a powerful anchor for faith. It reminds us that:

• Hope Triumphs Over Despair: Just as the women's sorrow turned to joy, the resurrection offers hope in the face of death, loss, and despair. It assures us that death is not the final word.
• God's Promises Are True: The call to "remember how he spake unto you" encourages us to recall and trust in all of God's promises, even when they seem unbelievable or difficult to grasp. His Word is dependable.
• The Foundation of Faith: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian belief (1 Corinthians 15:14). It validates Christ's identity as the Son of God and the efficacy of His atoning work, offering eternal life to all who believe.