What is the context?
Jesus takes the Twelve aside as they approach Jerusalem. He tells them that what the prophets have written about the Son of Man will be fulfilled, then describes being handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, spit upon, flogged and killed. He also says that He will rise on the third day.
Luke emphasizes the disciples’ lack of understanding: they do not grasp these things, and the meaning is hidden from them. The announcement gives the reader a clear view of where Jesus’ journey leads even while His closest followers do not yet understand it.
The saying belongs alongside the earlier predictions of His suffering in Luke 9. Here the details become more explicit, and resurrection is included in the outcome He announces. (Luke 9:22, 43–45)
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readings commonly understand this as Jesus’ deliberate announcement of His suffering, death and resurrection in fulfillment of Scripture. The Catholic bishops’ notes emphasize prophetic fulfillment; Wesley connects the disciples’ confusion with their expectations of the Messiah’s kingdom. (USCCB notes on Luke 18:31–34; Wesley on Luke 18:34)
Where does this fit in God's plan?
After the resurrection, Luke records Jesus opening the disciples’ understanding of Scripture and explaining His suffering, resurrection and the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness to all nations. That later scene directly addresses the lack of understanding recorded here and shows how the journey to Jerusalem belongs within the worldwide announcement of salvation. (Luke 24:44–48)
Peter later declares that God fulfilled the prophets’ witness to the Messiah’s suffering. Paul places Christ’s death for sins, burial and third-day resurrection at the center of the gospel he received and passed on. The events predicted here become the message the apostles proclaim. (Acts 3:17–19; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8)
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.