“Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”– Luke 24:7 (KJV)
“‘He said, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.’”– Luke 24:7 (NLT)
“‘He said, The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”– Luke 24:7 (MSG)
What Does Luke 24:7 Mean?
In this powerful chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus’ followers grappling with an astonishing reality—the resurrection. The verse Luke 24:7 opens with an angelic declaration that turns despair into hope. Here, Jesus refers to Himself as “the Son of Man,” a phrase rich in meaning and often associated with His role in fulfilling prophecy and serving humanity. He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men and crucified, but then He promises the most miraculous turnaround that He would rise again on the third day. This statement is filled with profound implications about God’s plan for redemption, sacrifice, and the ultimate victory over death.
This verse encapsulates the core of Christian belief. Jesus willingly submitted Himself to betrayal and death, not merely as an unfortunate event but as part of a divine blueprint for salvation. In reflecting on “the hands of sinful men,” we are reminded of humanity’s predisposition to sin, yet also of God’s unmatched grace that offers redemption despite this flaw. Then we see the reference to crucifixion, a brutal act, yet it symbolizes ultimate love, as Jesus bore the weight of mankind’s sins. However, the revelation of resurrection rendered the doom of crucifixion powerless. The phrase “on the third day” introduces the hope of resurrection that defines Easter Sunday for millions around the globe. This is a revolutionary moment that marks the climax of God’s restorative plan for creation.
Luke 24:7 Explanation and Commentary
When the angel spoke the words of Luke 24:7 to the women visiting Jesus’ tomb, it was the ultimate moment of revelation. After witnessing the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, the disciples felt profound sorrow and confusion. The angels were there to clarify God’s plan and timeline. By saying, “The Son of Man must be delivered,” it highlights that this was not merely random; it was essential to God’s redemptive purpose. We realize that Jesus’ sacrificial death was a necessity rather than an extraordinary accident. This drastic act was pivotal in addressing humanity’s separation from God due to sin.
The phrase “delivered into the hands of sinful men” indicates a painful juxtaposition of human involvement in Jesus’ suffering. God allowed the Son of Man to experience betrayal, hatred, and betrayal at the hands of men, echoing Isaiah 53:3, which states, “He was despised and rejected by mankind.” In this moment, God’s grace shines brightly; despite humanity’s flaws that lead to betrayal and injustice, God orchestrated a plan that offered hope and new life. It teaches us that, regardless of our shortcomings, God can use even our most significant failures for His grand purposes.
As Jesus foretold His resurrection, we also learn about faith and prophecy. He was not simply saying something miraculous would happen, but rather emphasizing that His resurrection was a fulfillment of the scriptures. Jesus had spoken about rising again multiple times throughout His ministry. For instance, in John 2:19, He referred to the temple of His body and how He would raise it in three days. This prophecy now stood fulfilled, forever changing our understanding of death and eternity for believers.
When we sit with these thoughts, we find encouragement in the light of despair. We can understand that our struggles, sacrifices, or moments of feeling abandoned are not in vain. God uses even our darkest hours to bring forth something beautiful and transformative. Just as Jesus emerged from death into life, we can find new hope after facing trials and tribulations. We too can rise from our hardships through faith in Jesus.
Context of Luke 24:7
To grasp the depth of Luke 24:7, we need to think about the context surrounding it. This moment occurs right after the resurrection of Jesus. The women arriving at the tomb went there expecting to find a body to anoint. Instead, they encountered angels who were tasked with delivering the astonishing truth of His resurrection. The disciples were still dealing with a sense of shock, grief, and confusion. After all, Jesus had been crucified, and His death left them feeling lost and deeply troubled. The weight of grief had clouded their faith—however, the angels brought clarity and renewed hope.
This moment is crucial for the narrative of the resurrection and the early Christian movement. The promise of resurrection not only affirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah but also establishes the foundation for the Church that would emerge shortly thereafter. Without understanding the resurrection, the Great Commission that follows in Matthew 28 would lose its power and urgency. Thus, Luke 24:7 serves as the pivotal pivot that springs forth a wave of new faith, conviction, and purpose; that anew hope would spread throughout the world.
In the wider narrative of Luke, we can find so many moments where Jesus tries to prepare His followers for the realities of His mission. During His ministry, He often spoke of sacrifices. When we reflect further back, we might remember the transfiguration in Luke 9, where the glory of Christ is revealed. Jesus’ work was meant to lead not only to the cross but to the resurrection as a testimony of God’s infinite power. Our understanding of God’s saving grace would be forever redefined in light of scripture fulfillment during this resurrection moment.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 24:7
Breaking down Luke 24:7, we see several key parts that reveal layers of meaning. The phrase “The Son of Man” is not just a title but also reflects Jesus’ identification with humanity. It emphasizes His dual nature as fully God and fully man. His life and death were characterized by understanding the human condition. By calling Himself the Son of Man, He embraced our struggles and showed us He was relatable.
The reference to “delivered into the hands of sinful men” illustrates humanity’s brokenness. The angels were explicitly stating that the very people He came to save would also cause Him suffering. It challenges us to consider how we treat others and the burden of sin affecting our capacity for love and kindness. This element brings authenticity to our faith and a shared responsibility among humanity toward one another.
The mention of crucifixion signifies brutal suffering for Jesus. It was an unpleasant event, one marked by humiliation and agony. Yet, it serves as a reminder that true love often requires sacrifice. Jesus’ crucifixion was not merely about His death but the profound expression of an unconditional love that bears witness to the lengths one will go to save another.
Finally, the declaration of “the third day” exemplifies hope takes root in darkness. After suffering comes resurrection—a beautiful promise we carry deep within our faith. Jesus assures us that death is not the end; He is victorious over it. Through faith in Christ, we receive the same promise of new life, connection with God, and victory over our doubts and fears. Each time we reflect on this verse, we strengthen the bond of hope and promise within our hearts.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 24:7
In Luke 24:7, we uncover essential lessons for our lives as believers and followers of Christ. One fundamental lesson is accepting God’s plan, even when it is unclear. The women at the tomb were facing confusion and heartache, yet the angels reminded them of Jesus’ words. There are moments when we might not understand what God is doing in our lives, but we can hold firmly to His promises. Just like the women, we must remember the power of faith in anticipating God’s rescue and love.
Another significant takeaway is the importance of sharing the good news. The angel instructed the women to tell others about the resurrection. This request remains relevant today; we are called to share our faith and the message of hope. Each time we tell our stories, encourage one another, and share the love of Jesus, we become vessels of resurrection stories in our communities. This act of sharing fosters connection and builds each other up in faith.
Additionally, the significance of Jesus’ suffering pushes us to reflect on our trials. They remind us that pain does not diminish our value in God’s eyes. Jesus’ choice to endure hardship provides us with strength when we face our trials. We can walk alongside others who suffer, cultivating empathy and fostering bonds in communities. Christ’s resurrection inspires us to overcome our challenges and rise through our tribulations.
Lastly, witnessing the hope found in resurrection assures us of God’s unwavering involvement in our lives. Just as Jesus overcame the cross, we can rise from our fears, insecurities, and failures, knowing He lives within us. Our stories can reflect the essence of His love and His call to rise daily, renewing our commitment to sharing His word and living out faith in tangible ways.
Final Thoughts
Luke 24:7 is a powerful reminder of the heart of our faith. Christians find centrality in the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimately resurrection, which leads to new life. The angels’ words encourage us in times of doubt and grief. They remind us that what seems like an ending can truly be a new beginning in God’s divine plan. From Jesus’ example, we learn how to embrace our humanity while holding onto divine hope.
As we reflect on this scripture, let’s take a moment to consider the role we play in God’s story. No matter where we find ourselves today, we are invited into a relationship with Him that transforms us. Our faith fills us with the courage to face adversity while pointing others toward resurrection hope. If you wish to explore more biblical themes, consider visiting Bible Repository for insightful discussions that can enhance your journey of faith.