Luke 24:26

Analysis & Commentary

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? This profound question comes from the risen Jesus Himself on the road to Emmaus, revealing the divine necessity of the cross. The Greek word edei (ἔδει, "ought") expresses not mere appropriateness but theological necessity—the suffering of the Messiah was essential to God's redemptive plan, not an unfortunate accident or tragic mistake.

"To have suffered" (pathein, παθεῖν) encompasses the full scope of Christ's passion: betrayal, mockery, scourging, crucifixion, and death. The definite article "these things" (tauta, ταῦτα) refers to the specific sufferings just discussed—pointing to the detailed Old Testament prophecies the disciples should have recognized. The phrase "to enter into his glory" (eiselthein eis tēn doxan autou, εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ) reveals that suffering was the divinely appointed pathway to exaltation.

This verse establishes the pattern of biblical theology: suffering precedes glory, cross before crown, death before resurrection. Jesus corrects the disciples' mistaken expectation of a conquering Messiah who would bypass suffering. The resurrection demonstrates that God's plan was not thwarted but perfectly fulfilled through apparent defeat.

Historical Context

This conversation occurred on resurrection Sunday, as two disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus (about seven miles). They had witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and heard reports of His resurrection but struggled to comprehend these events. Their hopes for political messianic deliverance had been crushed by the cross, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of Old Testament prophecy.

First-century Jewish messianic expectations generally focused on a conquering king who would overthrow Roman oppression and restore Davidic sovereignty. Most interpretations overlooked or spiritualized prophetic texts about the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), the pierced one (Zechariah 12:10), and Psalm 22's crucifixion imagery. The disciples' confusion reflects this broader theological blind spot.

Jesus' gentle rebuke and subsequent Scripture exposition (verses 25-27) corrected their misunderstanding by showing how Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all predicted Messiah's suffering. This post-resurrection teaching became foundational for apostolic preaching, as seen in Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:23-24) and Paul's letters emphasizing Christ's necessary suffering (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Questions for Reflection

• Why do we often resist the biblical principle that suffering precedes glory in the Christian life?
• How does understanding Christ's necessary suffering change our view of our own trials?
• What Old Testament passages point to the Messiah's suffering that we might overlook?
• How does this verse challenge prosperity theology and triumphalist Christianity?
• In what ways do we still misunderstand God's purposes when we face unexpected suffering?