Introduction

The event of Jesus explaining the Scriptures is a significant moment in the New Testament, highlighting His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His authority as the divine interpreter of God's Word. This event is primarily recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and in Jesus' subsequent appearance to His disciples.

The Road to Emmaus

The narrative of Jesus explaining the Scriptures begins in Luke 24:13-35. After His resurrection, Jesus encounters two of His followers traveling to the village of Emmaus. They are discussing the recent events of Jesus' crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. Unrecognized by them, Jesus joins their conversation and inquires about their discussion.

In Luke 24:25-27 , Jesus responds to their confusion and disbelief: "Then Jesus said to them, 'O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself."

Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of His suffering and glory as foretold by the prophets. He systematically reveals how the entirety of the Old Testament points to Him, underscoring His messianic identity and mission.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Later, Jesus appears to His disciples in Jerusalem, further elucidating the Scriptures. In Luke 24:44-45 , He states, "These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

This moment is crucial as it affirms the continuity and unity of the biblical narrative, with Jesus as the central figure. By opening their minds, Jesus enables His disciples to comprehend the divine plan of salvation woven throughout the Scriptures.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus' explanation of the Scriptures underscores the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies. Key messianic prophecies include:

1. The Seed of the Woman: Genesis 3:15 foretells the coming of one who would crush the serpent's head, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus' victory over sin and death.

2. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 describes a servant who would bear the sins of many, a clear reference to Jesus' sacrificial death.

3. The Righteous Branch: Jeremiah 23:5-6 speaks of a righteous branch from David's line, fulfilled in Jesus' lineage and kingship.

4. The New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-34 promises a new covenant, realized through Jesus' atoning work and the establishment of a new relationship between God and His people.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

In John 14:26 , Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will "teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers into all truth, continuing the work of Jesus in explaining and illuminating the Scriptures.

Conclusion

The event of Jesus explaining the Scriptures is a profound demonstration of His divine authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through His teachings, Jesus reveals the cohesive narrative of the Bible, centered on His life, death, and resurrection, and empowers His followers to understand and proclaim the gospel message.