17:24 17:24

Luke 17:25

17:26 17:26

Bible Versions

But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
But {G1161} first {G4412} must {G1163} he {G846} suffer {G3958} many things {G4183}, and {G2532} be rejected {G593} of {G575} this {G5026} generation {G1074}.
But first he must endure horrible suffering and be rejected by this generation.
But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
But first must he suffer many things and be rejected of this generation.

Luke 17:25 stands as a stark declaration from Jesus, interrupting His discourse on the future coming of the Son of Man. It serves as a vital clarification, emphasizing that before His glorious return, a period of profound suffering and rejection is divinely ordained.

Context

This verse is nestled within Jesus's teaching about the future coming of the Son of Man, which He compares to the sudden and unexpected days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). While the disciples and listeners were likely anticipating a triumphant, immediate establishment of the Messianic kingdom, Jesus interjects with a critical prerequisite: His suffering. This serves as a crucial corrective to common Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah who would immediately overthrow Roman rule, highlighting instead the spiritual nature of His first mission.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Suffering: The verse unequivocally states that Jesus "must suffer many things." This points directly to His passion, crucifixion, and death, aligning with Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. It underscores that the path to His ultimate glory was through immense pain and sacrifice.
  • Divine Necessity: The word "must" (Greek: dei) signifies a divine imperative or a necessity rooted in God's eternal plan. It was not an accident or a failure, but a predetermined part of the Father's will for the redemption of humanity. This truth is echoed by Jesus on the road to Emmaus, explaining that "ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?" (Luke 24:26).
  • Rejection by "This Generation": Jesus explicitly foretells His rejection by the people of His time. Despite His miracles, teachings, and claims, the religious and political leaders, and ultimately the masses, would turn against Him. This rejection was deeply painful, as highlighted in John 1:11: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "must" is dei (δεῖ), which conveys a sense of divine obligation or necessity. It implies that Jesus's suffering was not merely a possibility but a fixed, unalterable part of God's redemptive plan. The term "rejected" is from apodokimazo (ἀποδοκιμάζω), meaning to reject after testing or examination, to disapprove or cast off. This highlights that Jesus was scrutinized and ultimately deemed unacceptable by those in authority, despite His blameless life.

Practical Application

Luke 17:25 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  • Understanding God's Plan: It reminds us that God's plans often involve suffering before glory, a pattern seen throughout Scripture and in the lives of His followers.
  • Embracing the Truth: It prepares us for the reality that truth, especially the truth of the Gospel, may be rejected by many, just as Christ was rejected.
  • Patience and Hope: It reinforces the understanding that Christ's second coming will be glorious, but it was preceded by His first coming, marked by humility and sacrifice. This gives us hope in His ultimate triumph, even amidst present difficulties.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:21

    ¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

  • Luke 9:22

    Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

  • Mark 8:31

    And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Luke 24:26

    Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

  • Mark 12:10

    And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

  • John 1:11

    He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
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