What does Luke 18:31 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:31 is a solemn declaration made by Jesus to His twelve disciples.

In this verse, Jesus prepares the disciples for the events that will occur in Jerusalem, indicating that His suffering, death, and resurrection are imminent and that these events are in fulfillment of the prophecies.

This verse is fundamental in establishing Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the 'Son of Man' – a term He often used to describe Himself, emphasizing His divine mission and humanity.

Historical Context

This verse is placed as Jesus is making His way towards Jerusalem with His disciples. The historical context here is pivotal as it sits on the cusp of the Passion Week, a time when Jesus would endure suffering leading up to His condemnation and crucifixion.

The term, 'Son of Man', has its roots in the book of Daniel (7:13-14) and is used in various other prophetic writings, such as Isaiah and Psalms, which point towards a suffering servant and a salvific figure.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, several insights emerge:

Christological Fulfillment: Jesus unequivocally identifies Himself as the subject of the prophecies, thereby validating His identity and mission as the Messiah. 2.

Doctrine of Soteriology: It alludes to the necessity of the forthcoming events for the accomplishment of salvation.

The 'must' in Jesus' statement highlights that it was imperative for the prophecies to be fulfilled. 3.

Eschatological Dimension: The 'Son of Man' terminology is also associated with end-time events, stressing the vital role Jesus will play not only in immediate salvation history but also in ultimate redemption.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to:

Trust the sovereignty of God, who has a plan that He is unfolding in history. 2.

Understand the importance of prophecy and Scripture in the Christian faith, which guides our belief and practice. 3.

Embrace the path that God lays out, even if it involves suffering or challenges. 4.

Recognize that Jesus' suffering was purposeful and is central to Christianity, highlighting the concept of redemptive suffering.

Cross-References

• Luke 24:44: "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me."
• Isaiah 53:3-5: Describes the suffering servant, prescient of Jesus's suffering.
• Daniel 7:13-14: Introduces the 'Son of Man' in a messianic context.
• Psalm 22: Echoes the kind of maltreatment Jesus would later experience.

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text include:

• "ἔδει" (edei): often translated as "must" or "it was necessary," underlining the divine necessity of these events.
• "γραφαὶ" (graphai): meaning "writings" or "Scriptures," which denotes the holy texts of the Old Testament.
• "πληρωθῶσιν" (plērothōsin): Translated as "shall be accomplished" or "fulfilled," emphasizing the completion of what was foretold by the prophets.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The 'Son of Man' concept can be compared with other religious and mythological figures who bridge the human and divine, such as Hercules in Greek mythology or the various avatars of deities in Hinduism.

However, the uniqueness of Christ's role as the suffering 'Son of Man' remains distinct in its connection to historical fulfillment and spiritual redemption.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective does not typically intersect with prophetic or theological claims as these are matters of faith and spirituality.

The fulfillment of prophecies could be seen by some as confirmation bias, but from the standpoint of believers, it represents divine orchestration beyond probability.

Commentaries

Commentaries by scholars and experts often focus on the predictive nature of the verse and how it underscores the deliberate journey Jesus undertakes towards His destiny.

They discuss how Jesus uses this moment to prepare His disciples for the shock of His death, and yet show that it is part of a larger, divine narrative.

Commentators also often examine the depth of Jesus' foreknowledge and the implications of His fulfillment of prophecy on the legitimacy of His claims as the Messiah.