Jesus Again Predicts His Death (Luke 18:31-34)
Introduction
In Luke 18:31-34, Jesus speaks directly to his disciples, foreshadowing the events that will unfold in Jerusalem. This passage provides a stark look into the path of suffering and resurrection that lies ahead. Remember, in Luke 9:51-52, Jesus decided to consciously “turn his face” toward Jerusalem. He is conscious of his decision and the certain outcome. Let’s examine this moment in the narrative and explore the meaning behind Jesus’ prediction of his death.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 18:31–34 and Commentary
Luke 18:31
“Then He took the twelve aside and 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.’”
Jesus is about to walk into the final chapter of his earthly ministry. By taking the twelve disciples aside, he invites them into a moment of clarity. He states that everything that has been foretold about the Son of Man in the prophets will soon come to pass. This sets the tone for a journey that leads to his death, but also his resurrection—the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. Jesus is essentially saying, “This is not random; this is destiny.” Later, he speaks with integrity as he says to Pilate, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” (John 10:18, NRSV)
In this powerful depiction, Jesus stands before Pilate, embodying the silence and mystery of truth itself as Pilate questions, ‘What is truth?’ The moment is charged with tension, capturing the essence of the profound theological exchange.
Luke 18:32
“For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and He will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.”
In this verse, Jesus unpacks the suffering that awaits his. His betrayal will involve not just religious leaders but Gentiles—the very people who will execute him. The mocking, insults, and spitting are a precursor to the cruelty that will befall him, showing the deep rejection and alienation he will endure in his final hours.
Luke 18:33
“After they have flogged Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.”
Jesus clearly spells out the violence he will face. He will be flogged and killed, yet this isn’t the end of the story. One imagines the horror of flogging, but Jesus realizes he will survive that tortuous brutality, only to be killed in one of the most horrendous ways humans have ever devised—crucifixion. He promises his resurrection on the third day. While his death is inevitable, it’s equally certain that he will rise again, offering a profound message of hope and victory over death.
Luke 18:34
“But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what He said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what He said.”
Despite hearing these words directly from Jesus, the disciples are confused. They were expecting a triumphant Messiah, not one who would suffer and die. This moment of spiritual blindness speaks to the difficulty of comprehending the full scope of Jesus’ mission. They will understand later, after the resurrection, but for now, the mystery remains hidden from them.
Where Does Jesus Predict His Death in the Gospels?
Jesus’ predictions of his death are scattered throughout the Gospels. These predictions are crucial for understanding the trajectory of his ministry and the ultimate purpose of his coming. Here’s where we find these pivotal moments:
1. The First Prediction (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:22)
Following Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus first predicts that he must suffer, die, and rise again. The disciples struggle to accept this, with Peter even rebuking Jesus for suggesting such a fate.
Read more about Luke 9 and Jesus’ prediction.
2. The Second Prediction (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43b-45)
In this prediction, Jesus is even more explicit, detailing that He will be betrayed into the hands of men. His disciples are once again unsure of how to respond. This moment underlines the tension between Jesus’ mission and the expectations of His followers.
Read more about Jesus’ second prediction in Luke 9.
3. The Third Prediction (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)
The third and most specific prediction found in Luke 18:31-34 offers a detailed description of the suffering and death Jesus will endure. This prediction intensifies the journey toward Jerusalem, where his suffering will be realized.
4. The Final Prediction (John 12:23-33)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about his glorification through death. Using the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground, He explains that his death will lead to abundant life for others. This passage speaks not just of his death but its redemptive purpose for all.
Why Did Jesus Predict His Death Three Times?
The repeated predictions of Jesus’ death across the Gospels are more than just a foreshadowing of future events. They are key to understanding why he came to earth and the ultimate purpose of his mission. Each prediction offers a layer of understanding:
1. To prepare his disciples: Jesus needed to equip his followers to understand that his mission involved more than a political revolution—it was about salvation through suffering.
2. To fulfill Scripture: Each prediction points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.
3. To offer hope: Jesus not only speaks of his death but also his resurrection, reminding his disciples that death does not have the final word.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many times did Jesus predict His death?
Jesus predicts his death three times in the Gospels—Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9, Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 18. These predictions outline his suffering, death, and resurrection.
2. Why did Jesus predict His death 3 times?
Jesus predicted his death three times to prepare his disciples for the upcoming suffering, fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and give them hope in the resurrection.
3. Did Jesus know He would be resurrected?
Yes, Jesus was fully aware of his resurrection. He spoke of it explicitly in his predictions, emphasizing that he would rise on the third day (Matthew 16:21, Mark 9:31, Luke 18:33).
4. Did Jesus predict His death in all the Gospels?
Yes, the predictions of his death appear in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each emphasizing different aspects of his mission, but all pointing toward His ultimate sacrifice for the world.
Conclusion
Jesus’ predictions of his death in Luke 18:31-34 are part of a larger narrative that weaves through the Gospels. They serve as both a warning and a comfort to his followers. While his disciples struggled to understand, these predictions were a crucial part of Jesus’ mission—to suffer, die, and rise again for the salvation of all who believe. His resurrection was not only the fulfillment of Scripture but the promise of eternal life for those who trust in him.
