Luke 24:46 – “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is teaching His disciples that His suffering, death, and resurrection were not unexpected events—they were foretold in the Scriptures. He emphasizes that the Messiah’s mission, including His suffering and resurrection on the third day, was part of God’s divine plan for humanity’s salvation. Jesus had spoken about this before (Luke 9:22, Luke 18:31-33), but it wasn’t until after His resurrection that the disciples fully understood the significance of what had happened.

The phrase “this is what is written” underscores that everything Jesus experienced was in line with God’s promises in the Old Testament. His death wasn’t a tragic mistake or a failure; it was a necessary step in fulfilling God’s plan to redeem the world. By rising from the dead on the third day, Jesus demonstrated His victory over sin and death, confirming that He is the promised Savior.

Historical Context

At the time of Jesus’ ministry, most Jewish people expected a Messiah who would be a political or military leader, someone who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel to greatness. The idea that the Messiah would suffer and die was difficult for many to accept. Even the disciples, who had followed Jesus closely, struggled to understand why He had to die.

However, the Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about a suffering servant and a victorious Savior. For example, Isaiah 53 describes a servant who would be “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities.” Psalm 16:10 speaks of God not abandoning His holy one to decay, a reference to resurrection. The concept of the “third day” also appears in several places in Scripture, symbolizing God’s deliverance and victory (Hosea 6:2, Jonah 1:17).

When Jesus rose on the third day, He fulfilled these prophecies, proving that He was the Messiah who had come to save not just Israel but the entire world.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological truths:

1. The Centrality of the Cross and Resurrection: Jesus’ death and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith. Without them, there is no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of eternal life. The fact that these events were foretold in Scripture shows that they are central to God’s plan for redemption.
2. God’s Sovereignty: The fact that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection were written about in the Scriptures demonstrates that God is in control of history. Nothing that happened to Jesus was accidental. God’s plan for salvation was established long before Jesus came to earth, and everything happened according to His perfect timing.
3. The Necessity of the Atonement: Jesus’ suffering was necessary to pay the penalty for sin. His death on the cross was the fulfillment of the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament, where the shedding of blood was required for the forgiveness of sins (Leviticus 17:11). His resurrection on the third day proved that His sacrifice was accepted by God and that He had conquered death.

Literary Analysis

Luke uses a simple yet powerful structure in this verse, with Jesus directly linking His suffering and resurrection to the Scriptures. The phrase “this is what is written” serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus. It emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan and invites the reader to see the Bible as a unified story centered on Christ.

The mention of the third day is significant because it reflects a recurring biblical theme of God bringing deliverance or restoration on the third day. For example, Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days (Jonah 1:17), and Hosea 6:2 speaks of God raising up His people on the third day. By rising on the third day, Jesus aligns His resurrection with this pattern of divine intervention.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” This prophecy speaks of the suffering of the Messiah.
• Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” This points to the resurrection.
• Hosea 6:2 – “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us.” This foreshadows resurrection and restoration.
• Jonah 1:17 – Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish is a symbolic foreshadowing of Jesus’ time in the tomb.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul summarizes the gospel, stating that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that their faith is rooted in the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus’ death and resurrection were not random events—they were planned by God and foretold in the Scriptures. This provides assurance that God’s Word is trustworthy and that His promises will always be fulfilled.

For Christians, the cross and resurrection are not just historical events; they are the foundation of their salvation and their hope for eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection on the third day confirms that sin and death have been defeated, and it guarantees that believers will one day be raised with Him.

This verse also encourages believers to study the Old Testament, as it is full of prophecies and symbols that point to Jesus. Understanding how the Old and New Testaments are connected can deepen a Christian’s faith and appreciation for God’s plan of redemption.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated through His plan for salvation, which involved sending His own Son to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross shows the depth of God’s love for humanity. His resurrection on the third day is proof that God’s love is victorious—it triumphs over sin, death, and evil.

This verse also shows that God’s love is patient and faithful. He didn’t abandon humanity after the fall but patiently worked through history to bring about salvation. The fact that His plan was written in the Scriptures and fulfilled in Jesus reveals His commitment to redeeming His creation and restoring His relationship with His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the central figure of the Bible. His suffering, death, and resurrection were foretold in the Scriptures, confirming that He is the Messiah. His resurrection on the third day is the ultimate proof of His identity and mission. Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would have been meaningless, but because He rose, He has secured victory over sin and death.

Jesus is also the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. His death on the cross was the perfect sacrifice, and His resurrection confirmed that the debt of sin had been paid in full. This is why Paul declares that if Christ has not been raised, believers’ faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why was it important for Jesus to remind the disciples that His suffering and resurrection were written in the Scriptures?
2. How does understanding that Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s plan strengthen your faith?
3. What Old Testament passages have you studied that point to Jesus, and how have they impacted your understanding of the Bible?
4. How does the fact that Jesus rose on the third day give you hope for your own future resurrection?
5. How can you share the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection with others in a way that emphasizes its significance in God’s plan for salvation?