Luke 24:21
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)
Context
Luke 24:21 records the words of two disciples walking to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. They were discussing the recent events in Jerusalem and expressing their deep disappointment and confusion about Jesus’ death.
Their statement, “But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel,” reveals their shattered expectations. They had hoped Jesus would be the promised Redeemer who would deliver Israel from political oppression and restore the nation. This expectation was rooted in Old Testament promises of God’s redemption for His people, but their understanding was incomplete. They did not yet grasp that the Messiah’s redemption would come through suffering, death, and resurrection, not immediate political victory.
The disciples also mention that “to day is the third day since these things were done.” They were aware of the timeframe since the crucifixion, yet they did not connect the third day to the resurrection that had already occurred. Their words capture the tension between human expectation and divine purpose.
Meaning
The disciples’ hope was not wrong, but it was incomplete. They trusted in Jesus, yet their trust was limited by their understanding. This verse demonstrates that God’s redemptive plan often unfolds in ways that surpass human expectation. The redemption of Israel, and indeed of all humanity, was accomplished through the very event that seemed to be a defeat: the cross and the empty tomb.
Their statement, while expressing doubt, inadvertently points to the central truth of the Christian faith: that Christ’s resurrection on the third day fulfilled the Scriptures and secured redemption. The third day, which they mentioned with sorrow, was actually the day of victory.
Biblical connections
This verse highlights several important theological truths:
Jesus as the Redeemer: The disciples believed Jesus was the long-awaited Redeemer of Israel, reflecting the messianic expectations of the time. While their understanding was incomplete, they rightly recognized Jesus’ role as a deliverer.
Human limited perspective: The disciples’ disappointment demonstrates the human tendency to have limited understanding and expectations. We often struggle to comprehend God’s plans, especially when they do not align with our preconceived notions.
The centrality of the resurrection: The disciples’ lack of awareness regarding the resurrection reveals its transformative power. Through His victory over death, Jesus accomplishes redemption, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.
Application
Like the disciples, we may face circumstances that challenge our faith and expectations. It is crucial to trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when we cannot fully comprehend it. God’s faithfulness is not negated by human misunderstanding.
The disciples’ lack of understanding underscores the importance of seeking deeper knowledge of God’s Word and His ways. Studying the Scriptures and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit can help us grasp the profound truths of God’s redemptive work.
Jesus’ resurrection is central to the Christian faith. As believers, we should embrace its transformative power, understanding that it provides victory over sin, death, and all our circumstances. This truth gives us hope and reassurance, even when our present circumstances seem to contradict God’s promises.
Reflection
The disciples’ journey to Emmaus became a lesson in how Christ reveals Himself through Scripture, transforming despair into hope. Their words remind us that faith can coexist with confusion and disappointment. True redemption, as revealed in Christ, addresses both spiritual and physical needs according to God’s sovereign plan.
