


Luke 17:25
Bible Versions
But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
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.
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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.
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
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: