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Luke 24:21 (BSB)
But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.” — Luke 24:21
In this moment, you can feel the weight of disappointment in the air. These words are spoken by two followers of Jesus, who had invested their hopes in him as the one who would save their nation. It’s like watching a promise fade away right before your eyes. They’re grappling with confusion and sadness, thinking, 'We've been waiting for this, and now it feels like everything has crumbled.' The mention of the 'third day' adds a layer of urgency, hinting at something significant that’s about to happen. You can almost hear their hearts breaking as they articulate their dashed dreams.
This part of the Bible was written by Luke, a physician and a detail-oriented guy who wanted to share the story of Jesus with clarity. He was likely speaking to a broader audience, wanting everyone to grasp the significance of Jesus’ life and teachings. Luke includes this moment to highlight the confusion and heartache of those who loved Jesus, showing that even his closest followers struggled with understanding what had happened. His perspective helps us see that doubt and hope can coexist, making this story relatable and real.
This was happening in ancient Judea, a place under Roman rule, where the Jewish people were longing for freedom and hope. The cultural backdrop is filled with expectations of a messiah who would rescue them from oppression. It’s important to note that this was just a few days after a monumental event—the crucifixion—so the emotional climate was charged with fear, confusion, and a flicker of hope. It’s like a stormy day where the sun might break through at any moment. Understanding this setting helps us feel the tension in their words.
This verse matters because it speaks to the universal experience of hope and disappointment. You may have felt crushed when something you believed in didn’t turn out the way you expected—like a job you wanted that slipped away or a relationship that didn’t flourish. This moment reminds us that it’s okay to feel lost and confused. The beauty lies in that tiny hint of hope—'the third day.' It suggests that even when things seem hopeless, change can happen in unexpected ways. This verse encourages you to hold on to hope, even when life feels bleak.
This week, take a moment to reflect on your own hopes and dreams. Are there areas in your life where you feel disappointed or stuck? Write them down and then think about what 'the third day' could mean for you. Maybe it's a new opportunity, a change in perspective, or a relationship that could be mended. Allow yourself to imagine a future where hope is rekindled. Then, take one small step towards that hope—like reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with or exploring a new direction in your career. Make it something tangible!
This verse comes right after some intense events—the crucifixion of Jesus and the rumors about his resurrection. The story leads us to these two individuals walking down a road, grappling with their shattered hopes. They are processing the loss and confusion of what they experienced. Just before this moment, they had heard whispers that Jesus was alive again, but they weren’t sure what to believe. This verse captures their emotional turmoil, and it sets the stage for the transformative encounter they are about to have. It’s a turning point where despair meets hope, changing everything from here on out.
What hopes or dreams do you have that feel out of reach right now, and how might you find a glimmer of hope in your situation?
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