Meaning of Luke 24:46

This verse from Luke 24:46, spoken by the resurrected Jesus to his disciples, directly articulates a foundational tenet of Christian theology: the suffering and subsequent resurrection of the Messiah on the third day. It signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Christ, demonstrating that his death was not an unexpected tragedy but a divinely ordained event, essential for salvation. The emphasis on the "third day" highlights the miraculous nature of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith and proof of Jesus' divine authority and victory over sin and death.

Context and Background

Following his crucifixion and burial, Jesus appears to his disciples in Luke 24. This encounter occurs after his resurrection, a period of immense confusion and dawning realization for his followers. They had witnessed his death, a traumatic event that likely shattered their hopes and expectations. Jesus' appearance and subsequent teachings are aimed at illuminating the scriptures for them, explaining how the events they had just experienced were foretold. Luke 24:44-46 provides the specific context where Jesus, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures, declares that the Messiah's suffering and resurrection were precisely what was written.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The verse underscores that the Messiah's path of suffering and resurrection was not a deviation from God's plan but its very core, as prophesied in the Old Testament. This emphasizes the divine foreknowledge and orchestration of salvation history.
• The Necessity of Suffering: The "suffering" of the Messiah is presented as an integral part of his mission, not merely an unfortunate consequence. This suffering is understood within Christian theology as atoning for the sins of humanity.
• The Triumph of Resurrection: The resurrection on the "third day" is the ultimate vindication of Jesus' identity and mission. It signifies victory over death, the ultimate enemy, and offers hope of eternal life to believers.
• Divine Revelation: Jesus actively opens the minds of his disciples to understand the Scriptures, indicating that divine revelation is necessary for true comprehension of God's word and plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is central to the Christian faith, providing the theological framework for understanding Jesus' identity and salvific work. For believers, it offers the assurance that suffering, even death, is not the end but a prelude to resurrection and eternal life. The resurrection serves as the bedrock of their hope, empowering them to face trials with faith, knowing that Christ has conquered the very forces that seem insurmountable. It calls for faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah whose suffering and resurrection are the means of redemption.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 24:46 directly connects the New Testament events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to the prophetic pronouncements of the Old Testament. It acts as a hermeneutical key, unlocking the meaning of numerous Old Testament passages that speak of a suffering servant and a victorious king. For example, Isaiah 53, often interpreted as a prophecy of the suffering Messiah, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' experience. The entire narrative arc of the Bible, from creation and the fall to redemption and new creation, is illuminated by the central event of the Messiah's suffering and resurrection.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is that of a divinely planned rescue operation. Imagine a city under siege, facing imminent destruction. The king's son, the rightful heir, voluntarily enters the enemy stronghold, endures their harsh treatment and imprisonment (suffering), and then, through his inherent power and the king's intervention, breaks free on the third day (resurrection), thereby securing the city's liberation and future. His suffering was not a failure but the necessary cost of victory.

Another analogy is a seed undergoing burial. A seed must be buried in the ground and seemingly die (suffering and death) before it can sprout and bring forth new life and a bountiful harvest (resurrection and new life). The apparent end of the seed is paradoxically its means of propagation and flourishing.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." This Old Testament prophecy directly foreshadows the suffering Messiah's atoning work.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This New Testament passage reiterates the core message of Jesus' death and resurrection as central to the gospel.
• Romans 1:4: "...and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." This verse highlights the resurrection as the definitive declaration of Jesus' divine sonship.
• John 2:19: Jesus himself declares, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." While referring to his body as a temple, this statement points to his resurrection.