Luke 24:6
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Luke 24:6
The angels announce: He is not here; he has risen. This is the centerpiece of Christian proclamation. The resurrection validates Jesus’ claims, confirms his divine identity, and inaugurates the new creation reality. The directive to remember Jesus’ words in Galilee—“the Son of Man must be delivered…”—ties the morning’s event to Jesus’ own predictions. Luke intentionally connects prophetic fulfillment to the concrete event of the empty tomb, showing that God’s plan, announced beforehand, is now being fulfilled. The reminder to remember also moves from mere discovery to interpretation, inviting the listeners to reconstruct their understanding of Jesus’ mission: suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection are not accidents but the purpose of God’s salvific plan.
This verse anchors the inevitability and necessity of the Resurrection within God’s salvific plan. It demonstrates Jesus’ Messianic identity, confirms his authority over death, and sets the stage for the disciples to understand the meaning of his passion. It also emphasizes the continuity between Jesus’ words and events, validating Scripture as coherent and trustworthy.
Today, this invites believers to anchor faith in the reliability of Jesus’ purported words and promises. A practical practice is to regularly revisit Jesus’ teachings about his suffering and resurrection, ensuring belief shapes daily choices. In conversations with others, you can point to fulfilled prophecies and Jesus’ own predictions as a basis for faith, offering a coherent narrative that can sustain believers through trials. Use moments of doubt to revisit what Jesus said about life beyond the grave and God’s presence in suffering.
Cross-References: Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:22; John 2:19-22; Acts 2:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4