How can we find hope in Jesus' resurrection as described in Luke 18:33? The Context of Luke 18:33 “They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.” (Luke 18:33) • Jesus is speaking on His final journey to Jerusalem, preparing the disciples for His suffering and triumph. • This is the third time He plainly predicts His death and resurrection (see Luke 9:22; 9:44). • The verse is future-tense yet stated as certain fact—highlighting God’s sovereign plan. The Certainty of the Resurrection • Jesus’ words are not wishful thinking; they are divine prophecy. • Earlier He declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). • Paul later affirms, “He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). • Because Jesus rose exactly as foretold, every promise God makes is trustworthy. Hope Rooted in Jesus’ Identity • The one who rises “on the third day” is the Son of God (Romans 1:4). • His resurrection confirms His authority to forgive sin (Acts 13:38-39). • It proves He conquered death itself (2 Timothy 1:10). • Our hope rests not in circumstances but in the living Person who holds “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Hope for Our Own Resurrection • “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). • The same Spirit who raised Jesus “will also give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11). • His empty tomb guarantees ours will be empty one day (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). • Therefore grief is tempered with confident expectation (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Hope for Daily Living • New life now: “We too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). • Power over sin: “Sin shall not be your master” (Romans 6:14). • Courage in trials: “He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). • Joy that endures: We are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3). Hope that Transforms Our Future • A perfected creation is coming (Revelation 21:4-5). • Justice will prevail; every wrong is addressed by the risen Judge (Acts 17:31). • Our labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Eternal glory outweighs present suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17). Living in the Light of Resurrection Hope • Fix your mind daily on the risen Christ (Colossians 3:1-2). • Speak of His victory when fear or doubt surface. • Encourage fellow believers with the certainty of “the third day” reality. • Let the promise shape choices, values, and priorities—confident that the best is yet to come. |
    |