Luke 24:21-25
Luke 24:21 (KJB)
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.
They had hoped and desired that Jesus was going to be the one who was going to
deliver Israel from Roman occupation. Apparently, these disciples like the inner
twelve were all looking for a physical kingdom to come where Israel would be
free. Actually, Israel was free but it was the Israel of God or the body of
believers in Christ were freed from their sins. The name “Israel” means “prince
with God.” Every child of God is either a prince or princess. Then they
mentioned the fact that it was the third day since those things happened making
this Sunday.
Luke 24:22 (KJB)
Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early
at the sepulchre;
Then Cleopas includes the fact that the women had gone to the tomb to finish
anointing the body for permanent burial and the story they came back with was
astonishing. Even the disciples were amazed at what they came back and told
them.
Luke 24:23 (KJB)
And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a
vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
The women who had gone to the tomb came back and told the disciples that the
body of Jesus was missing and that they were met at the tomb by angels who had
declared to them the Jesus was alive and not dead. The women had believed that
they saw the angels in a vision but they actually saw the angels. (John
20:12 KJV) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the
other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Luke 24:24 (KJB)
And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even
so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Then Cleopas tells Jesus that certain disciples, which would have been Peter and
John, had also gone to the tomb when the women came back. The story of the women
was confirmed, the body of Jesus was missing and therefore they did not find Him
there. (John 20:16 KJV) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and
saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. John reports that even
though the women did not see Him in the tomb, yet He appeared to them along the
way. The disciples had come to the tomb, saw it empty but at this time, Jesus
did not manifest Himself to the disciples.
Luke 24:25 (KJB)
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken:
This is an important verse because it is teaching that faith does not come from
an empty tomb but it comes from believing what the Scriptures taught on the
subject of the Messiah. The empty tomb was a walk by sight and Jesus wanted and
wants His followers to live by faith. (2 Cor 5:7 KJV) (For we walk by faith,
not by sight:) If His followers would have known the Scriptures as they
should, then none of the events which transpired over that weekend would have
been a surprise to them nor would it cause them to be so downcast. They had seen
His miracles, His authority over the kingdom of Satan, and His healing of all
the sick and lame. If they would have coupled those things they saw with an
understanding of the Scriptures, there would have been no cause for grief.