Luke 24:7 Meaning: Why the Son of Man Had to Be Delivered Up

Three Greek words in this verse carry the weight of the whole story.

First, the little verb dei (must). It does not mean that Jesus was forced by fate or overpowered by enemies. In Scripture, this word points to a deep necessity that comes from God's own purpose and character. It was fitting, right, and necessary for the Son of Man to go this way. Not because evil won, but because love planned it that way.

Second, paradothēnai (to be delivered). This is the same verb used for Judas handing Jesus over. But here it is passive: Someone allowed him to be passed from hand to hand, from the Jewish leaders to Pilate to the Roman soldiers. Those hands were not clean. The word hamartōlōn (sinful men) names them bluntly. At that time, Jews often used this word for Gentiles, especially the Romans who had the power to crucify. Jesus, the sinless one, was handed over to sinners.

Third, anastēnai (to arise). This is the other side of the same necessity. The same plan that led him into sinners' hands also raised him from death. You cannot have one without the other.

Christians across traditions have seen the same truth in this verse from different angles. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, points out that the phrase ‘sinful men’ points directly to the Romans, the Gentiles. Only they could carry out a crucifixion. The Jewish leaders handed Jesus over, but the actual hands that nailed him were Roman.

John Gill, a Baptist, focuses on the title ‘Son of Man’. He notes that this is a messianic name from the Old Testament, but here it points to Jesus in his deepest humiliation. He was at the mercy of cruel men. Yet Gill stresses that the whole sequence was necessary, not accidental.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, a Protestant team, marvel that angels are quoting Jesus back to the disciples. The angels did not need to be told these words. They were witnesses to the entire event. But they remind the women anyway, because the disciples had forgotten.

All three agree on the core point: God's sovereign plan used sinful human choices to accomplish redemption.

Some readers think ‘sinful men’ is just a general description of all humanity's sinfulness. That is true in one sense, but the phrase carries a sharper edge at this moment. In the first century, Jewish people often called Gentiles ‘sinners’ because they did not follow the Law of Moses. The angels are reminding the women that Jesus was handed over to the Romans, a pagan power.

In fact, the word hamartōlōn underlines how far the Holy One of God went. He was given into the hands of those who had no covenant with God. That makes the cross an event for the whole world, not just for one nation.

This verse asks you to do what the women had to do: remember what Jesus said before the hard things happen.

When you are in the middle of a situation that feels like a defeat, it is easy to forget that Jesus spoke about suffering and resurrection together. He never promised that his followers would skip the hard part. But he did promise that the hard part is never the last part.

This week, when confusion or disappointment comes, try holding two truths together. The same God who allowed his Son to fall into sinful hands also raised him from the dead. Your story is not finished either. The third day is coming.