How does Luke 24:46 affirm the necessity of Christ's suffering and resurrection? Introducing the Key Verse Luke 24:46: “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.” Why Jesus Says “It Is Written” • Signals divine authorship—God Himself promised these events in Scripture • Locks the cross and the empty tomb into God’s unbreakable plan (cf. Isaiah 46:10) • Leaves no room for alternate paths to salvation; prophecy demanded exactly this outcome Old Testament Foundations of the Promise • Genesis 3:15—first hint of a wounded but victorious Redeemer • Psalm 22—graphic description of crucifixion centuries before it was invented • Isaiah 53:4-6—“He was pierced for our transgressions” and “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” • Jonah 1:17; 2:10—a three-day pattern Jesus applies to Himself (Matthew 12:40) • Hosea 6:2—“After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up” The Divine “Must” of Suffering • Suffering was not an accident; it was the price of atonement (Hebrews 9:22) • God’s justice required a perfect sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11; 1 Peter 1:18-19) • Jesus’ agony fulfills Isaiah 53:11—“By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many” The Necessity of Resurrection • Validates Jesus’ identity: Romans 1:4—“declared to be the Son of God…by His resurrection” • Confirms the Father’s acceptance of the sacrifice (Acts 2:24) • Guarantees believers’ future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) • Launches the gospel mission (Luke 24:47)—forgiveness is offered because the tomb is empty Why “the Third Day” Matters • Prophetic precision—ties back to Jonah and Hosea texts • Demonstrates God’s sovereignty over time • Provides unmistakable proof for eyewitnesses before decay could set in (Psalm 16:10; Acts 13:35-37) Implications for Everyday Faith • Assurance—our salvation rests on events God scripted and fulfilled, not on human effort • Confidence in Scripture—prophecies kept in detail strengthen trust in every promise still awaiting fulfillment • Motivation for witness—if Christ had to suffer and rise, the world has to hear (Romans 10:14-15) Luke 24:46 stands as a concise, authoritative statement that the cross and the resurrection were never optional—they were ordained, foretold, and accomplished exactly as God said. |
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