Luke 24:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 24:21
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Chapter Context
Luke 24 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, sacrifice, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-53: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 24:21
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Analysis
Shattered hopes: 'But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.' Cleopas expresses their disappointment: 'we trusted' (ἡμεῖς ἠλπίζομεν, hēmeis ēlpizomen, imperfect tense—we were hoping, but no longer) 'that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel' (ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ, hoti autos estin ho mellōn lytrousthai ton Israēl). They expected political liberation from Rome; instead Jesus died. The phrase 'beside all this, to day is the third day' indicates they remembered Jesus' prediction but didn't understand it. Their hopes were crushed because they misunderstood Jesus' mission—He came to redeem from sin, not Rome.
Historical Context
The disciples' confession reveals how Jewish messianic expectations shaped and limited their understanding. They wanted national liberation; Jesus offered spiritual salvation. They expected political kingdom; Jesus brought spiritual kingdom. They hoped for immediate glory; Jesus came through suffering to glory. Their misunderstanding was comprehensive—even witnessing resurrection reports (vv. 22-24), they couldn't process them because their paradigm was wrong. Jesus' subsequent Scripture exposition (vv. 25-27) corrected their theology, showing that Christ must suffer before glory. This pattern repeats: humans want earthly deliverance; God offers eternal salvation. We crave comfort; God promises glory through suffering. Our expectations must align with Scripture's revelation.
Reflection
- How did political messianic expectations blind the disciples to Jesus' true mission?
- What does their inability to process resurrection despite reports teach about paradigms shaping perception?
- How might contemporary Christians similarly misunderstand Jesus' purposes by projecting their expectations onto Him?
Word Studies
- Redeem: λυτρόω (Lutroo) G3084 - To redeem, ransom
Cross-References
- Redemption: Luke 1:68, 2:38, Isaiah 59:20