Luke 24:26
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Luke 24:26 (KJV)
Context
Luke 24:26 is part of the account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It takes place on the day of His resurrection when two disciples were walking to the village of Emmaus. They were discussing the events that had taken place in Jerusalem, including Jesus’ crucifixion and reports of His empty tomb. Jesus, who had joined them on the road but concealed His identity, began to explain to them the significance of the Scriptures concerning Himself.
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of Christ’s suffering. He is reminding the disciples that it was essential for the Messiah to suffer according to the prophecies in the Old Testament. His suffering was not an accident or a result of human failure but a part of God’s plan of redemption for humanity. The suffering of Christ was necessary to fulfill the purpose of His mission, which was to save mankind from sin and bring reconciliation with God.
Jesus also highlights the transition from Christ’s suffering to His ultimate victory and exaltation. He is alluding to the prophecies that spoke of the Messiah’s glory after His suffering. Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus entered into His glory, demonstrating His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The suffering of Christ was not the end but a necessary step leading to His glorious exaltation as the conquering King.
Biblical connections
The Greek construction of the verse implies necessity: it was necessary, or behooved, the Christ to suffer these things and then enter His glory. The suffering refers to the events mentioned in Luke 24:20: His delivery to the chief priests, condemnation to death, and crucifixion. The necessity of His suffering stems from the decree and appointment of God, as declared in the Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9, which spoke plainly of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11). The cross was the appointed way to His glory; He could not go to it any other way. His entrance into glory is not merely for Himself, but in the name and behalf of His people. This pattern is echoed in Luke 17:25, where Jesus says, “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation,” indicating suffering precedes glory. The verse also connects to Luke 24:46, where Jesus later states that “thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day,” confirming the necessity of these events.
Application
Recognise the significance of Christ’s suffering: Reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the love that motivated Him to endure such suffering for our sake. It is through His suffering that we find forgiveness and salvation.
Trust in God’s plan: Just as Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan, we should trust that God is working out His purposes in our lives, even when we face hardships and challenges. God can bring beauty out of pain and turn our trials into testimonies.
Embrace the hope of glory: The suffering we experience in this world is temporary, and as believers in Christ, we have the assurance of sharing in His glory. Let this hope sustain you during difficult times and motivate you to persevere in your faith.
Reflection
By viewing the glory that was to follow, Christ was animated to endure sufferings cheerfully and patiently. This glory will be more manifest when He comes to judge the world in righteousness, and His saints shall appear in glory with Him. The cross was the appointed way to His glory, and it is also the way through which His saints enter the kingdom (Acts 14:22).
