Luke 24:26 – “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus explains to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus that His suffering and death were not just unfortunate events—they were necessary for God’s plan of salvation. The crucifixion wasn’t a failure or mistake; it was the fulfillment of what had been foretold in Scripture. Jesus is challenging the disciples to understand that the Messiah’s path to glory had to go through suffering. Without the cross, there would be no resurrection, and without His death, there would be no victory over sin.
The “glory” that Jesus refers to is His resurrection and exaltation as the risen Lord. His suffering wasn’t the end—it was the path to glory and redemption for all who believe.
Historical Context
Many Jews in the first century had a narrow view of the Messiah, expecting Him to be a political leader who would overthrow the Roman government and restore Israel’s earthly kingdom. Because of this expectation, the idea of a suffering Messiah was difficult for them to understand. But the Old Testament contained numerous prophecies about the suffering of the one who would save God’s people.
For example, Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant who would be pierced for the sins of others. Psalm 22 contains vivid descriptions of suffering and rejection that match the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. However, these prophecies were often overlooked or misunderstood because people focused more on the parts of Scripture that talked about the Messiah’s victory and reign.
Theological Implications
This verse is a key statement about the nature of salvation. It shows that redemption couldn’t be achieved without sacrifice. Jesus’ suffering was not an accident or a sign of weakness—it was God’s plan to conquer sin and death. Through His death on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for sin, satisfying God’s justice while demonstrating His mercy and love.
The suffering of the Messiah also teaches believers that following Jesus involves carrying their own cross (Matthew 16:24). Just as Jesus’ path to glory involved suffering, Christians can expect to face difficulties in their journey of faith. However, this verse provides hope by reminding believers that suffering is not the end—glory comes after.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses this verse as a turning point in the story. Up to this point, the disciples have been confused and disheartened, but Jesus’ question forces them to rethink their understanding of the Messiah. The phrase “have to suffer” indicates necessity, emphasizing that the suffering wasn’t random but was part of God’s plan from the beginning.
The contrast between “suffering” and “glory” is central to the verse’s meaning. Jesus highlights that glory comes through suffering, reflecting a theme that runs throughout Scripture—God’s greatest victories often come through what seems like defeat.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.”
- Psalm 22:16-18 – A prophetic description of the Messiah’s suffering and death.
- Daniel 7:13-14 – A vision of the Son of Man being given authority and glory, fulfilled in Jesus after His resurrection.
- Hebrews 2:9-10 – Jesus was made perfect through suffering and crowned with glory.
- Acts 3:18 – Peter explains that the suffering of the Messiah was predicted by the prophets and fulfilled in Jesus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that God’s plan often involves suffering, but that suffering is never without purpose. Just as Jesus’ suffering led to glory, believers can trust that God is working through their difficulties to bring about His good purposes (Romans 8:28). When life is hard, this verse encourages believers to persevere, knowing that glory is coming.
It also challenges Christians to view the cross not as a defeat, but as the greatest victory in history. Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of His triumph over sin and death. In the same way, believers can view their struggles as part of a bigger picture, trusting that God will bring them through to victory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse because it shows that He was willing to let His Son suffer for the sake of humanity’s salvation. Jesus didn’t suffer because He had done anything wrong—He suffered on behalf of others. This reflects God’s incredible love and mercy, as He provided a way for people to be forgiven and reconciled to Him.
The fact that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan also shows that God’s love is intentional and purposeful. He doesn’t allow suffering without reason, and He uses even the most painful circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. His suffering and death on the cross were predicted by the prophets and fulfilled through His obedience to God’s plan. The glory Jesus entered into after His resurrection shows that He is the victorious King who now reigns at the right hand of God.
By asking the disciples this question, Jesus is helping them—and readers today—understand that His life, death, and resurrection were not isolated events but the culmination of God’s plan to save the world. His path to glory demonstrates that He is the true Messiah, and His resurrection confirms His victory over sin and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand that the Messiah had to suffer before entering His glory?
- How can this verse encourage you when you face trials and suffering in your life?
- What Old Testament prophecies about the suffering and glory of the Messiah stand out to you, and how do they point to Jesus?
- How does understanding the necessity of Jesus’ suffering deepen your gratitude for what He accomplished on the cross?
- In what ways can you trust God’s plan when life doesn’t go the way you expect, knowing that glory can come through suffering?