“But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.”– Luke 24:21 (KJV)
“We had hoped he was the Messiah who would come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”– Luke 24:21 (NLT)
“We had our hopes up that he was the one. But now it’s the third day since things went wrong.”– Luke 24:21 (MSG)
What Does Luke 24:21 Mean?
In Luke 24:21, we find two disciples having an intensely personal conversation about their shattered hope. This verse comes during their walk to Emmaus after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are distressed, and their dialogue reveals the depth of their disappointment. They trusted Jesus to be the promised Messiah, the one who would redeem Israel. This was their expectation, their hope. However, that hope seems to be dashed now that He has been crucified, and they believe death has sealed their fate. Understanding the emotional weight of this verse is crucial. The disciples are grappling with sorrow, confusion, and loss.
This verse illustrates a fundamental aspect of human experience: when our hopes are crushed, it can feel as if a dark cloud looms over our lives. I think we can relate to those feelings. Perhaps we have experienced events that left us disheartened, lost, or grieving. We’ve faced moments when things didn’t go as planned, and disappointment gripped us tightly. In those moments, we might cry out with the same sentiments that seemed to echo from the hearts of those disciples: “We had hoped…”
Luke 24:21 Explanation and Commentary
This passage is a beautiful reminder of how personal our faith can be. The disciples’ hope was not an abstract idea; it was tied to their daily lives, their dreams, and their very identity. They were expecting a powerful redeemer who would liberate them from Roman oppression. Their faith was based on the teachings and miracles of Jesus. But now, their hope feels utterly misplaced. They are devastated not only by His death but also by the seemingly unfulfilled promises of God. They thought Jesus was the one to save them from their troubles, and when they witnessed His crucifixion, they were left questioning everything.
In the context of our lives, we often find ourselves lamenting unfulfilled dreams or lost opportunities. We might say something like, “I thought I would get that job,” or “I thought my health would improve.” The depth of our feelings in such moments is similar to that of the disciples. They were grappling with feelings of despair, and at that moment, they did not see the resurrection coming. Think about how we can relate to those feelings of skepticism where we find it hard to believe when all we see around us is darkness. Yet, the story does not end here, as we know what happens next.
While the disciples are filled with sorrow, this passage also hints at the resilience of faith. It’s okay to express disappointment and confusion. It’s okay to say, “I had hoped for something better.” Sometimes simply voicing our struggles can lead to healing and understanding. After all, Jesus did not shy away from their grief. Instead, He met them on their way and walked with them. This moment illustrates not just the heartbreak but also the kindness of Jesus, who meets us in our moments of need.
This passage invites us to look deeper into our own hearts and recognize the times we feel despondent. When we face trials, we must remember that our faith gives us hope even when we might not see the way forward. Just as the disciples walked with Jesus, we too can walk with Him. He may not change our circumstances instantly, but He provides companionship and comfort in times of struggle. Rather than keeping our disappointment bottled up, we can bring it into conversation with God, knowing He hears us and cares for us deeply.
Context of Luke 24:21
To fully appreciate Luke 24:21, we must look at the context surrounding it. This verse occurs right after the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing the emotional state of His followers during the days that followed His crucifixion. The two disciples walking to Emmaus were likely two of the many followers who had witnessed the events leading up to Jesus’s death, including His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. As they walked, they were discussing these recent events and the hopes that were now dashed.
We can observe that Jesus had told His disciples several times about His impending death and resurrection. Yet, it seems the disciples still struggled to grasp this reality. They faced a significant disconnect between their expectations of Jesus as a worldly king and the humble path He chose to walk. When Jesus was arrested and killed, they were left bewildered and heartbroken. What had happened to their dreams of a political and physical kingdom? Their confusion illustrates a critical lesson about faith and understanding. Sometimes, we might feel that God should act in specific ways, but His plans often surpass our limited imaginations.
When Jesus appears to the disciples later in this chapter, it provides a beautiful contrast to their despair. He gently reminds them of the Scriptures and how everything prophesied about Him had to occur. This revelation expands their understanding, encouraging us to look back to God’s Word, especially in times of doubt. Jesus uses this moment to teach the importance of recognizing God’s plans, and that trust in Him is vital even when circumstances seem bleak.
We can also take note of the significance of the third day mentioned. Throughout the Old Testament, the third day appears as a motif in various contexts, often hinting toward resurrection or renewal. Jesus’s resurrection on the third day is of monumental importance, as it transforms despair into hope. This reminder showcases that God’s timelines and plans vastly differ from ours.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 24:21
Looking closely at Luke 24:21, we see several key components worth examining. Firstly, the phrase “We had hoped” reflects the past tense indicating that these disciples held a strong belief in the promises made by Jesus. Hope is a delicate emotion; when it is shattered, it can leave profound despair. What they hoped for was the redemption of Israel—a desire deeply rooted in their cultural and religious identity.
The wording illustrates their disillusionment. They are expressing a collective sentiment of disappointment that resonates with many of us. It strikes a chord with our personal experiences of unfulfilled expectations. In our lives, we may say, “I had hoped to achieve that goal,” or “I had hoped for this relationship to thrive.” These phrases highlight a transient state of belief, compounded with disappointment when real-life events transpire differently than expected.
Continuing with the phrase, “that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel,” signifies their view of Jesus as the powerful savior who would come and transform their situation. They expected a tangible solution to their problems rather than spiritual redemption. This practical expectation can lead to disappointment, especially if we view God through a narrow lens. It is vital to understand that God’s idea of redemption may not look like our expectations but is often deeper and rooted in spiritual transformation.
The mention of “the third day” also plays a significant role. It suggests the biblical timing of God’s plan. We see this in the Old Testament as a symbol of hope (Hosea 6:2). This repetition serves as a reminder of how God uses time. In our lives, we often expect answers immediately. But God’s timeline can differ—what seems late for us may actually be perfectly aligned with His purpose. When we wait, we develop our resilience and faith.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 24:21
The lessons in Luke 24:21 extend beyond the moment of despair experienced by the two disciples. One of the essential takeaways is the importance of expressing our hopes and disappointments to God. He desires an open dialogue with us about our feelings. When we voice our distress, we acknowledge that we need Him. Our vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a step toward spiritual intimacy.
We also learn that place of disappointment can lead us to deeper faith. Just as the disciples walked with Jesus even in their despair, we are never alone when facing our struggles. We are encouraged to invite Him into our troubles while retaining faith that He is still active in our lives, even if blessed moments feel far from view. While our immediate situations may seem challenging, there is hope in waiting and believing. It’s vital to remind ourselves, as found in Romans 8:28, that God works all things for good.
In addition, we must recognize that our expectations of God may differ from His plans. God’s vision is often larger than ours, and transforming our immediate situations might not align with our timelines. This perspective helps us embrace faith over fear, trust over doubt, and peace over anxiety. The disciples were walking away from Jerusalem—with heavy hearts—when the real truth was waiting just a moment away. Their encounter and dialogue with Jesus illustrate that God meets us in our doubts and can redirect us positively through His Word.
Lastly, this passage illustrates the power of community in our struggles. The two disciples were walking together, sharing their grief and confusion. We, too, can find strength and encouragement when we confide in one another, especially during tough times. Walking our faith journey aside friends or family can uplift us, providing valuable support when life’s heaviness bears down on us.
Final Thoughts
Luke 24:21 serves as a poignant reminder of our shared experiences of hope and disappointment. These sentiments are not foreign to us but resonate deeply with our human experience. As followers of Christ, we can find solace in knowing that even in our darkest times, we are not alone. Just as Jesus met the disciples on the road, He walks with us, providing comfort and guidance. We should feel encouraged to share our hopes and disappointments with Him, as He listens and cares deeply. As we continue to learn and grow, let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God sees the whole picture when life seems fragmented.
Let’s remember that regardless of the bleak moments, there is hope beyond the grave, peace beyond our understanding, and love that transcends our expectations. If you find yourself grappling with similar feelings, reach out to your community, explore deeper into His Word, and hold tightly to the promises of God. Perhaps you might also want to discover more about different biblical themes and passages for further encouragement. Visit this link to explore more topics: explore more topics.