Luke 24:20
“And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.”
This verse is part of the account of two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus after the crucifixion of Jesus. They were discussing the events that had taken place and were unaware that Jesus had risen from the dead. In this verse, one of the disciples is explaining to a stranger (who is actually Jesus himself, although they do not recognize him at first) the reason for their sadness and disappointment.
Let’s break down this verse and explore its significance within the broader context of the chapter:
Context:
Luke 24 is the concluding chapter of the Gospel of Luke, which recounts the resurrection of Jesus and the subsequent appearances He made to His disciples. The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by a group of women who had come to anoint Jesus’ body. They encounter angels who declare that Jesus has risen from the dead, fulfilling His own prophecies. The women then report these events to the apostles and other disciples.
The Disciples’ Despair:
In Luke 24:13-24, we read about two disciples who are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the recent crucifixion of Jesus and the confusion surrounding His empty tomb. They express their disappointment, recounting how the chief priests and rulers had delivered Jesus to be condemned to death and ultimately crucified Him.
Significance:
This verse highlights the sorrow and disillusionment the disciples were experiencing following Jesus’ crucifixion. The phrase “delivered him to be condemned to death” emphasizes the betrayal and wrongful condemnation of Jesus by the religious authorities. The crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution, and the disciples’ mention of this event underscores the weight of their grief and shattered hopes.
Unrecognized Jesus:
It is noteworthy that the disciples, even though they were followers of Jesus, did not recognize Him as they walked and conversed with Him on the road to Emmaus. This lack of recognition was likely due to their sorrow and the fact that they did not expect Jesus to be alive again. It is only later, during a meal, that their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:30-31).
Foreshadowing and Redemption:
Despite the disciples’ despondency and the apparent triumph of Jesus’ crucifixion, this verse sets the stage for the revelation of His resurrection and ultimate victory over sin and death. It foreshadows the miraculous turn of events that are about to unfold as Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples, bringing them joy, hope, and a renewed purpose.
Overall, Luke 24:20 captures the disciples’ distress over Jesus’ crucifixion and helps us understand the depth of their sorrow and confusion. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrificial death of Jesus and the subsequent triumph of His resurrection, which would transform the disciples’ lives and the course of human history.
