Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus begins a Bible study with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, showing them how the entire Old Testament points to Him. “Moses and all the Prophets” is a way of referring to the entire Jewish Scripture, which includes the Law, the historical books, the Psalms, and the prophetic writings. Jesus patiently walks them through the Scriptures, explaining that everything—His life, death, and resurrection—was part of God’s plan all along.
This wasn’t just a casual explanation. Jesus was giving them the key to understanding the entire Bible: it all points to Him. The Law (the writings of Moses) and the Prophets weren’t just about moral guidance or history—they were meant to prepare people to recognize Jesus as the promised Savior.
Historical Context
At the time of Jesus, the Jewish Scriptures (what Christians now call the Old Testament) were central to Jewish life and worship. Jews eagerly awaited the Messiah, but many misunderstood what the Messiah would do. They focused on prophecies about a king who would bring victory and restore Israel’s power. What they often missed were the prophecies about the suffering servant, who would bear the sins of the people (Isaiah 53) and be rejected before being glorified.
By referring to “Moses and all the Prophets,” Jesus was reminding them that His mission had been laid out from the beginning. The writings of Moses include foundational promises, like God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and the prophecy of a prophet like Moses who would lead the people (Deuteronomy 18:15). The Prophets include numerous references to the coming of a Savior who would suffer and ultimately triumph.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the unity of Scripture and shows that the Bible is one continuous story with Jesus at the center. From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament points to humanity’s need for a Savior and God’s promise to send one. Jesus’ death and resurrection weren’t last-minute fixes to a problem—they were part of God’s plan from the start.
The fact that Jesus took the time to explain the Scriptures shows that understanding God’s plan requires more than just knowledge—it requires faith and revelation. Scripture isn’t just a collection of stories and rules; it reveals God’s heart and His plan to redeem the world through Jesus.
This verse also reinforces the idea that believers should interpret the Old Testament in light of Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the promises, prophecies, and patterns found throughout Scripture.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s mention of “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets” emphasizes that Jesus didn’t just reference a few key verses—He walked the disciples through the entirety of Scripture. This detail shows that the Old Testament is rich with meaning and points to Jesus in ways that may not be obvious at first glance. Jesus connected the dots for the disciples, turning their confusion into understanding.
The word “explained” (Greek: diermēneuō) implies careful interpretation, indicating that Jesus didn’t just list prophecies but helped the disciples understand how the various parts of Scripture fit together in a way that pointed to Him. This reflects the need for spiritual insight when reading the Bible.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 3:15 – The first promise of a Savior, who would crush the serpent’s head.
- Deuteronomy 18:15 – A prophecy that God would raise up a prophet like Moses, fulfilled in Jesus.
- Isaiah 53:3-5 – The suffering servant who would bear the sins of the world.
- Psalm 22:16-18 – A prophetic description of the suffering and rejection of the Messiah.
- John 5:39 – Jesus tells the religious leaders that the Scriptures testify about Him.
- Acts 3:18 – Peter explains that the prophets foretold the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that the entire Bible, not just the New Testament, is essential for understanding God’s plan of salvation. The Old Testament isn’t just background information—it’s the foundation that leads to Jesus. Believers are encouraged to read Scripture with the understanding that it points to Christ and reveals God’s work throughout history.
It also highlights the importance of seeking understanding through Scripture. Just as Jesus explained the Bible to the disciples, Christians are called to study Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides them into all truth (John 16:13). Faith grows when believers dig into the Word and see how God’s promises are fulfilled in Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in how He revealed His plan over time, preparing humanity to recognize the Messiah. He didn’t leave people in the dark—He provided prophecies, promises, and signs throughout Scripture, all pointing to Jesus. God’s love is also seen in how patient Jesus is with the disciples, taking the time to explain Scripture and correct their misunderstandings.
This verse shows that God desires for His people to understand His plan. He doesn’t want anyone to be confused or left wondering what He’s doing. His love is reflected in His desire for relationship, which He made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus because it reveals Him as the central figure of Scripture. From the promise of a Savior in Genesis to the prophecies of a coming King in the Prophets, Jesus is the one who fulfills God’s plan for redemption. His life, death, and resurrection were predicted long before they happened, showing that He is the Messiah sent by God.
Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of Scripture also demonstrates His authority. He is not just a prophet or teacher—He is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14). Everything written in the Old Testament points to Him, and His resurrection confirms that God’s promises are true.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples needed Jesus to explain the Scriptures to them, even though they were familiar with the Old Testament?
- How can you develop a deeper understanding of how the Old Testament points to Jesus?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of studying Scripture to grow in your faith?
- Have you ever experienced a moment when Scripture suddenly made sense to you in a new way, like the disciples did on the road to Emmaus?
- How does knowing that God’s plan of salvation has been unfolding since the beginning of time give you confidence in His promises today?