Luke 24:19–35

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

The Promise Fulfilled

Luke 24:19–35

The Questions Raised (19–24)

It is easy for us to look back over the events of Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection and see how these events are the fulfillment of prophecy. We have the benefit of the New Testament, inspired and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, which clearly explains and demonstrates how Jesus had to come and die for us and be raised on the third day. However, the disciples and followers of Jesus did not understand this at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. Here in this passage these two disciples were hoping Jesus was the Messiah — the One who would come and redeem Israel. They were looking for a conquering ruler who would come and kick the Romans out of Israel and return the land to a place of prominence just like in the days of David. 

The Jews were correct in thinking the Messiah would do these things but they only understood part of Old Testament prophecy. The Old Testament is clear that the Messiah will come and right all wrongs and bring the people of God into a land of peace and prosperity. But this would not be fulfilled until the Second Coming of the Messiah. The disciples and the Jews overlooked the other aspect of the Messiah.

The Old Testament Fulfilled (25–27)

What is this other aspect? It is that the Messiah had to suffer. Jesus explained to His disciples that the Old Testament points to the need for a suffering Messiah. While it is true the Messiah would come and return God’s people to a position of prominence, the Old Testament also prophesies that the Messiah would have to come and suffer for His people. When one reads Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 it is an obvious allusion to the crucifixion. Jesus knew He was going to have to suffer and He explained this continually to His disciples but they did not understand what He was talking about (Luke 18:31–34).

It is common for Christians to overlook the Old Testament and think it is not worth reading or that the New Testament is better. The truth of the matter is the entire Bible is God’s record to us. The Old Testament is vital. We cannot truly grasp the New Testament unless we have the Old Testament to help us understand it. Jesus walked along with these two disciples and explained how the entire Old Testament was pointing to the Messiah. The Holy Spirit has inspired both the Old Testament and the New Testament and since God is not a man that changes His mind (Num. 23:19), the truth revealed in the Old Testament is still valid for us today. Therefore we can see how the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Christ and thus we can trust that the prophecies yet to come to pass also will come true.

The Messiah Revealed (28–32)

Once Jesus and these disciples reached their destination it was revealed to the disciples that Jesus was the Messiah. Their greatest hopes were met in this event. Jesus, in whom they had placed their hope, was the true Messiah. He was risen from the dead and still alive.

The Resurrection Proclaimed (33–35)

This great joy caused the disciples to do what came naturally — they told their friends. These two went back to Jerusalem and told the disciples the news of the resurrection. But it didn’t end there. In the book of Acts we see the disciples continue to tell others about Christ which often led to their persecution (like that of Peter, Stephen and Paul). But it did not matter to them. The truth of the resurrection is so important and so powerful that no man or group of men could silence them. 

Even today Christians are called to share the gospel with the world and we can see that today Christians continue to be persecuted and killed for this message of love and redemption. But just like in the book of Acts, nothing can stop the message of the gospel.