Luke 9:22 - saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.”

Generated Verse: Luke 9:22

What does "Luke 9:22" mean?


This verse, Luke 9:22, is a pivotal statement where Jesus directly foretells his own suffering, death, and resurrection. Let's break it down:

"The Son of Man must suffer many things...": "Son of Man" is a title Jesus frequently used for himself. It connects him to both his humanity and a divine figure from the Book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). "Must" indicates a divine necessity or purpose, a predetermined plan. "Suffer many things" emphasizes the extent and severity of the ordeal he will face. It's not just a minor inconvenience; it's a period of significant hardship.

"...and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes...": This identifies the specific groups who will be responsible for Jesus's rejection and eventual condemnation. These were the leaders of the Jewish community:
Elders: Respected older men, often members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council).
Chief Priests: High-ranking priests, often from influential families, who had significant religious and political power.
Scribes: Experts in religious law and interpreters of scripture. They were influential in teaching and interpreting the Torah.

The rejection by these groups highlights that Jesus's opposition wouldn't come from outside the Jewish community but from within its established leadership. It emphasizes the conflict between Jesus's teachings and the established religious order.

"...and be killed...": This is the blunt and direct prediction of Jesus's violent death. It removes any ambiguity about the outcome of his rejection.

"...and the third day be raised up.": This is the crucial element of hope and triumph. It declares that death will not be the end of the story. "The third day" is a specific time frame for his resurrection, which is central to Christian faith.

In summary, this verse is a prophecy that reveals the following:

The preordained nature of Jesus's suffering and death: It was part of God's plan.
The specific groups responsible for his rejection and death: The Jewish religious leaders.
The hope of resurrection: His death would not be the final word, as he would rise again on the third day.
It introduces the idea of redemptive suffering: that his suffering, death, and resurrection will bring salvation.

Significance:

Foreshadowing and Preparation: This verse prepares the disciples (and the readers of the Gospel) for the events to come. It helps them understand that Jesus's suffering and death were not a failure, but a necessary part of God's plan.
Testing Faith: It tests the faith of the disciples. Will they continue to follow Jesus even when he faces opposition, suffering, and death?
Central Christian Belief: This verse encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the means of salvation.
Understanding Jesus's Mission: It provides insight into Jesus's understanding of his own mission – to suffer, die, and rise again for the redemption of humanity.