Luke 24:7

Luke 24:7

The response of Jesus’ messengers—telling what the Son of Man would suffer, be crucified, and rise again on the third day—summarizes the core of the Gospel in a single sentence. The phrase “Son of Man” emphasizes both Jesus’ humanity and his role in God’s plan. The predictions in Galilee had established a pattern that now unfolds in Jerusalem: suffering leads to redemption, death leads to life, and the Messiah’s path is the divine plan for salvation. The third day rising marks a decisive victory and demonstrates that human sin and divine justice meet in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The angels invite the women to trust God’s promises, encouraging a re-thinking of what “Messiah” and “king” mean. The verse also highlights the importance of hearing and remembering Jesus’ words as they navigate the shock of the Resurrection.

This verse crystallizes essential theological themes: substitutionary atonement through suffering, the vindication of Jesus’ claims, and the necessity of the Resurrection for human hope. It shows that God’s mercy operates through paradox—humiliation and crucifixion bring about glorious life. It also reinforces the prophetic trajectory of Scripture and Jesus’ identity as the operative Word in history.

Reflect on how suffering can paradoxically lead to new life. In personal pain, remember that God can redeem even the most difficult experiences. This verse encourages you to hold onto Jesus’ promises during hardship, trusting that death or failure is not the end. You could practice journaling a “third day” hope: record a difficult situation, write how God might or has already brought life from it, and commit to praying for the courage to trust the outcome to God.

Cross-References: Isaiah 53:3-12; Psalm 22:1-18; Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; 1 Peter 1:3