Luke 24:20 – “The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus explain what happened to Jesus. They point out that the religious leaders—those who were supposed to guide God’s people in righteousness—were the ones who handed Jesus over to the Roman authorities. The mention of crucifixion highlights the brutal and humiliating nature of Jesus’ death, which was reserved for criminals and slaves. This statement reflects the confusion and despair the disciples felt. To them, the crucifixion meant that Jesus’ mission had ended in failure, as they had not yet understood the necessity of His death and the power of His resurrection.
At this point, the disciples still saw Jesus as a victim of human injustice rather than the Lamb of God who willingly laid down His life for the salvation of the world.
Historical Context
The trial and crucifixion of Jesus were the result of a collaboration between the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman authorities. The religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy (claiming to be the Son of God) and of being a threat to Roman rule, which was a charge they used to convince Pilate, the Roman governor, to execute Him. Under Roman law, the Jews didn’t have the authority to carry out executions, so they needed the cooperation of Roman officials.
Crucifixion was the most shameful and painful form of death in the Roman Empire. It was meant to publicly humiliate the condemned person and serve as a warning to others. For the disciples, seeing Jesus die in this way was devastating, as it seemed to contradict everything they had hoped for in Him as the Messiah.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the tension between human plans and God’s divine plan. From a human perspective, Jesus’ death looked like a tragic injustice. The religious leaders and Roman authorities thought they had silenced Him. But from God’s perspective, the crucifixion was the fulfillment of His plan to save humanity from sin (Isaiah 53:10, Acts 2:23).
Jesus’ death was not forced upon Him—He willingly laid down His life (John 10:18). Although the religious leaders and rulers played a role in His crucifixion, they were ultimately part of God’s plan to bring about redemption. This teaches that even when things seem out of control, God is always at work, bringing His purposes to pass.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s inclusion of the disciples’ statement emphasizes their limited understanding of Jesus’ mission. They recount the events accurately but interpret them as evidence of failure. Their words reflect the emotional weight of the crucifixion and the apparent loss of hope that came with it. Luke contrasts this with the greater truth that Jesus will soon reveal: His death was necessary for the salvation of the world.
The phrase “handed him over” is significant, as it appears in several key moments of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. This phrase highlights the betrayal and rejection Jesus faced but also points to God’s control over the situation. What seemed like a human betrayal was, in reality, part of God’s divine plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 2:23 – Peter explains that Jesus was handed over to be crucified as part of God’s set purpose and foreknowledge.
- Isaiah 53:7-8 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
- Matthew 27:1-2 – The chief priests and elders hand Jesus over to Pilate to be crucified.
- John 19:16 – Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.
- Mark 10:33-34 – Jesus predicted that He would be handed over, condemned to death, and crucified, but that He would rise on the third day.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s plans often don’t look the way we expect them to. The disciples thought the crucifixion was the end of the story, but it was actually the turning point for salvation. When life seems filled with loss or confusion, believers can trust that God is still working, even when they don’t understand His plan.
It also challenges believers to reflect on the significance of the cross. Jesus’ death wasn’t just a historical event—it was a sacrifice made to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Understanding the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice leads to gratitude, humility, and a desire to live in obedience to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is revealed in the fact that He allowed His Son to be handed over to death for the sake of humanity. Even though human leaders acted out of jealousy and fear, God used their actions to accomplish His plan of redemption. The crucifixion demonstrates the depth of God’s love—He was willing to give up His only Son so that humanity could be saved (Romans 5:8).
This verse also shows that God’s love is patient and merciful. The religious leaders rejected Jesus and handed Him over to die, yet His death was for their forgiveness as well. Even those who participated in His crucifixion were offered the chance to repent and receive salvation (Acts 2:36-38).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ willingness to be handed over to death shows His obedience to God’s plan and His love for humanity. Throughout His ministry, Jesus predicted that He would be betrayed and crucified, but He never resisted it because He knew it was necessary to fulfill God’s purpose (Mark 8:31).
The crucifixion is central to Jesus’ mission as the Savior. His death paid the price for sin, and His resurrection proved that He had defeated death and opened the way for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Without the cross, there would be no salvation, but because of it, believers have the hope of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples focused on the role of the religious leaders and rulers in Jesus’ death instead of recognizing God’s plan behind it?
- How does understanding that Jesus willingly laid down His life change your view of the crucifixion?
- Have you ever experienced a situation that seemed like a failure or loss, but later you saw how God was working through it?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or confusing?
- How can reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross deepen your relationship with God and others?