LUKE 18:31–34
THE THIRD PREDICTION OF THE PASSION
Text – Luke 18:31–34
31 Then he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.
32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon;
33 and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise.”
34 But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said.
Historical and Jewish Context
Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life and the place where prophets were often rejected or killed. Jesus’ journey there was understood by His followers as the path toward messianic triumph, not suffering. His reference to “everything written by the prophets” recalls passages from Isaiah, the Psalms, and other texts foretelling the suffering and vindication of the righteous one. Being handed over to the Gentiles signified humiliation and judgment, since Gentile authorities (Rome) executed criminals. Despite Jesus’ clarity, the disciples could not grasp His words because their expectation of a political Messiah blinded them to the prophecy of a suffering Messiah.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals Christ’s deliberate and obedient embrace of His Passion. Catholic theology teaches that Jesus freely accepted suffering and death as the fulfillment of God’s saving plan. Each detail—mockery, insults, scourging, death, and resurrection—reflects His identity as the Suffering Servant. The inability of the disciples to understand illustrates that faith requires divine illumination. Only after the Resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit would they comprehend the mystery of the Cross. Christ’s Passion is not a tragic accident but the climax of God’s merciful love, transforming suffering into redemption.
Parallels in Scripture
Is 50:6 – The servant is beaten, spat upon, and humiliated.
Is 53:3–7 – The suffering servant wounded for our sins.
Ps 22:7–8 – Mockery and derision of the righteous one.
Lk 9:22 – Jesus’ earlier prediction of His suffering and resurrection.
Jn 16:12–13 – The disciples cannot understand until the Spirit reveals all truth.
Key Terms
Son of Man – A messianic title that includes suffering, death, and glory.
Handed over – Represents betrayal, injustice, and the path to sacrifice.
Third day – The moment of Christ’s victory and fulfillment of prophecy.
Hidden – A spiritual inability to understand without grace.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed during Lent and Holy Week, preparing the faithful to contemplate Christ’s Passion. It shapes catechesis on the Paschal Mystery, emphasizing Christ’s voluntary sacrifice and the fulfillment of Scripture. It is central to the Church’s understanding of redemption and salvation.
Conclusion
Jesus reveals that His suffering and death are part of God’s saving plan foretold by the prophets. Though the disciples cannot yet understand, the Cross and Resurrection will unveil the fullness of God’s love and mercy.
Reflection
Do I struggle to understand the crosses in my life? Do I trust that God can bring resurrection out of suffering? Jesus invites me to walk with Him toward Jerusalem, trusting in the power of His love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, deepen my understanding of Your Passion. Give me faith to trust in Your saving plan, even when I do not understand. Help me embrace my crosses with hope in Your Resurrection. Amen.