Luke 24:7

Luke 24:7 captures the pivotal message delivered by two angels to the women who came to Jesus' tomb. They remind the women of Jesus' own prophetic words concerning His passion and resurrection, which the disciples had seemingly forgotten in their grief. This verse serves as a divine confirmation that the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday were not unexpected tragedies, but the fulfillment of a predetermined plan.

Context

This verse is part of the resurrection narrative in Luke's Gospel. The women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, had come to the tomb early on the first day of the week to anoint Jesus' body (Luke 24:1). Upon finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:3), they were perplexed. Suddenly, two men in dazzling clothes appeared (Luke 24:4), who were angels. It is these heavenly messengers who utter the words of Luke 24:7, recalling Jesus' earlier teachings when He was with them in Galilee.

Key Themes

• Prophecy and Fulfillment: The verse highlights Jesus' repeated foretelling of His suffering, death, and resurrection. The angels' words serve as a powerful reminder that these events were not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan, perfectly fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions.
• The Sovereignty of God: Even though the "Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men," implying betrayal and human malice, the word "must" (Greek: dei) conveys divine necessity. This was not a defeat but a purposeful act of salvation orchestrated by God.
• The Centrality of the Resurrection: The phrase "and the third day rise again" is the triumphant climax. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating Jesus' claims, securing victory over sin and death, and offering hope of eternal life to believers.
• Jesus' Identity as the Son of Man: This self-designation of Jesus emphasizes both His full humanity and His unique, divinely appointed role as the Messiah, destined for suffering, death, and ultimate glory.

Linguistic Insights

• "The Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou): This is Jesus' most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. It connects Him to the prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13-14, who receives everlasting dominion. While emphasizing His humanity, it also points to His divine authority and messianic destiny.
• "Must be delivered" (Greek: dei paradothēnai): The verb dei signifies divine necessity or obligation. It underscores that Jesus' suffering and death were not a tragic accident but a divinely ordained and essential part of God's redemptive plan.
• "Rise again" (Greek: anistanai): This term implies a literal, physical rising from the dead, not merely a spiritual awakening or metaphorical revival. It confirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus, which is crucial for the Christian gospel (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Practical Application

Luke 24:7 offers profound reassurance and a call to remembrance for believers today:

1. Trust in God's Plan: Just as Jesus' suffering and resurrection were part of God's predetermined will, we can trust that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or tragic.
2. Remember God's Promises: The angels reminded the women of what Jesus had said. Similarly, we are called to remember and meditate on God's Word, especially in times of confusion or doubt, for it contains the truth that anchors our faith.
3. The Power of the Resurrection: This verse points directly to the power of Christ's resurrection, which offers hope, new life, and victory over sin and death to all who believe. It transforms despair into joy and fear into faith.
4. Confirming Jesus' Authority: The fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies concerning His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22) solidifies His identity as the Son of God and the ultimate authority on truth and salvation.