Luke 18:31-33 is about Jesus foretelling his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection to his disciples, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate purpose of his journey to Jerusalem.
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.
32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon.
33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 18:31-33
In Luke chapter 18, we find Jesus and his disciples on the road to Jerusalem. The atmosphere is tense as Jesus begins to speak to his disciples about his impending betrayal, death, and resurrection. The disciples are walking closely with Jesus, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion, fear, and sadness at the somber tone of his words.
As they journey, the dusty road winds through the Judean countryside, with the sun casting long shadows across the landscape. The disciples are deep in thought, trying to comprehend the gravity of Jesus’ words. Peter, James, and John are walking closest to Jesus, their expressions betraying their concern for their beloved teacher.
The scene is set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Jerusalem in the distance, a stark reminder of the events that are soon to unfold. Jesus’ words hang heavy in the air, as he prepares his disciples for the trials that lie ahead. The disciples listen intently, their hearts heavy with the weight of what is to come.
What is Luke 18:31-33 about?
Jesus in this verse is once again foretelling His impending death and resurrection. Despite this being the third time He is sharing this prophecy with His disciples, it highlights the importance and inevitability of these events in His divine plan. Jesus knew what was to come, demonstrating immense courage and trust in God’s plan for salvation.
Imagine the weight of this moment for Jesus as He repeatedly lays out His ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity. His unwavering resolve and unwavering commitment to fulfilling His divine mission are a powerful testament to His love for us. Through this verse, Jesus is not only preparing His disciples for the challenges ahead but also showing us the depth of His sacrifice and the promise of new life that comes through His resurrection. Let us reflect on this verse, considering the profound faith and dedication that Jesus displayed in the face of immense suffering. May His example inspire us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty. Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection serves as a reminder of the hope and redemption that are available to us through His sacrifice and victory over death. We can hold onto this promise and walk in faith, knowing that just as Jesus conquered death, we too can find new life and salvation in Him.
Understanding what Luke 18:31-33 really means
Jesus, in Luke 18:31-33, shares a poignant message with His twelve disciples, foretelling the imminent events in Jerusalem. He speaks of His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection, underscoring the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Son of Man. This declaration serves as a pivotal moment in preparing His followers for the profound sacrifice and victory that lay ahead.
The key phrases in these verses hold significant meanings that resonate through the ages. When Jesus mentions that all that was written by the prophets about Him will come to pass, He emphasizes the divine orchestration of events and the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This assurance points to the unchanging nature of God’s plan throughout history, echoing the prophecies in Isaiah 53:3-5 and Psalm 22 that depict the suffering and triumph of the Messiah.
Moreover, Jesus’ prediction of being delivered over to the Gentiles signifies not only His betrayal but also the involvement of non-Jewish authorities in His crucifixion. This detail foreshadows the broader scope of His sacrifice, encompassing all humanity. The vivid description of the mockery, insults, and physical torment He would endure serves as a stark reminder of the immense suffering Jesus willingly faced for the redemption of mankind, as echoed in Mark 10:34.
In proclaiming His resurrection on the third day, Jesus not only foretells His triumph over death but also lays the foundation of Christian faith. This promise of resurrection, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:4, stands as a beacon of hope for believers, assuring them of victory beyond suffering and death. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the eternal hope it offers to all who believe.
The relevance of these verses extends to contemporary believers, reminding them of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the enduring hope found in Christ’s suffering and resurrection. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for the challenges ahead, we are called to be vigilant and prepared for the trials and triumphs in our spiritual journey. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrificial love of Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, urging us to trust in His promises, find hope in suffering, and anticipate the ultimate victory through Christ’s resurrection.
What does it mean to take up our cross daily?
To take up our cross daily means to embrace the challenges, sacrifices, and sufferings that come with following Jesus. We are called to carry our own crosses in our daily lives, just as Jesus bore His cross. This involves putting aside our own desires and submitting ourselves to God’s will, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. It requires a willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ.
Taking up our cross daily also means living a life of self-denial and surrender to God. It involves prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and being willing to sacrifice our own ambitions, comforts, and conveniences for the sake of the Gospel. It is a continuous commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, regardless of the challenges or obstacles we may face along the way. Taking up our cross daily ultimately expresses our faith and devotion to Christ. It is a daily reminder that following Jesus requires total surrender and a willingness to embrace the cost of discipleship. We demonstrate our commitment to walking in His footsteps, even when the path is marked by suffering, rejection, or opposition, by taking up our cross daily.
Application
Delve deep into the story of Luke 18:31-33 and witness the immense sacrifice and unwavering dedication Jesus had towards his mission. Let this resonate with you deeply as you navigate your own path, both at work and at home. Embrace the selflessness and obedience displayed by Jesus, and allow it to fuel your own journey with courage and steadfastness. Will you rise to the challenge of following Christ wholeheartedly, regardless of the challenges that may arise?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.