What Old Testament prophecies relate to Jesus' resurrection and appearance in Luke 24? Setting the Scene in Luke 24 • Luke 24:16: “But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” • Two disciples walk to Emmaus, hearts heavy after the crucifixion. • The risen Christ joins them, yet divine restraint shields His identity until the Scriptures speak first (vv. 27, 32). Old Testament Voices Foretelling Resurrection • “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Peter cites this on Pentecost (Acts 2:25-32) to prove Messiah must rise before His body corrupts. • “I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.” • The psalm that begins with crucifixion agony (v. 1) ends with resurrection fellowship—Jesus standing alive among “brothers” (cf. John 20:17). • “When His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days… After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light and be satisfied.” • Suffering Servant dies, yet lengthened days and renewed sight demand bodily life again. • “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence.” • A prophetic pattern: revival on the third day ultimately embodied by Christ (Luke 24:46). • “Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.” • Jesus cites Jonah as the “sign” anticipating His own entombment and emergence (Matthew 12:39-40). • “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” • Paul links this coronation language with resurrection (Acts 13:33), the day the Son’s vindication bursts forth. • “Many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…” • Corporate resurrection hope finds firstfruits fulfillment in Messiah (1 Corinthians 15:20). Prophecies Hinting at Post-Resurrection Appearances • “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Rejected then exalted—“in our eyes” anticipates eyewitness wonder (Luke 24:31, 40). • “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced…” • Disciples eventually behold pierced yet living hands (Luke 24:39-40; John 20:27). Leviticus 23:10-11 (Firstfruits) • “On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.” • Christ rises the morning after Passover Sabbath, appearing as the waved sheaf—the pledged harvest of all who will follow (1 Corinthians 15:23). Three-Day Patterns Foreshadowing Luke 24 • Abraham journeys three days before Isaac is figuratively “received back” (Genesis 22:4, Hebrews 11:19). • Joseph emerges from prison on Pharaoh’s third-day birthday (Genesis 40:20-22). • Esther risks death, then the third day ushers deliverance (Esther 5:1). These echoes prepare readers to expect victorious life on day three, culminating in Jesus. From Law, Prophets, and Writings to Emmaus Road Luke 24:27: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” • Moses—Leviticus 23 firstfruits, Exodus Passover lamb spared from corruption (Exodus 12:10). • Prophets—Isaiah 53, Hosea 6, Jonah 1. • Writings—Psalms 16, 22, 118. The full canon converges on a risen Messiah walking beside two disciples whose eyes will soon open (v. 31). Key Takeaways • The resurrection is not an unexpected twist; it is the anticipated climax woven through Torah, Prophets, and Psalms. • Luke 24:16’s hidden identity highlights Scripture’s priority—recognition of Jesus flows from revelation already given. • Every prophetic thread—suffering, third-day life, eyewitness fellowship—finds literal fulfillment that morning outside Jerusalem. |
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