Luke 18:33

And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

And {G2532} they shall scourge {G3146} him, and put {G615} him {G846} to death {G615}: and {G2532} the third {G5154} day {G2250} he shall rise again {G450}.

Then, after they have beaten him, they will kill him. But on the third day he will rise.”

They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.”

and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Commentary

Luke 18:33 is a profound verse where Jesus explicitly foretells His impending suffering, death, and glorious resurrection. This is one of several times He prepares His disciples for the events that are about to unfold in Jerusalem, revealing His divine foreknowledge and the predetermined nature of His mission.

Context

This prophecy is the third and most detailed prediction of Jesus' passion in the Gospel of Luke, following earlier mentions in Luke 9:22 and Luke 9:44. It occurs as Jesus and His disciples are journeying towards Jerusalem, the very place where these events would transpire. Despite the clarity of Jesus' words, the disciples did not fully grasp their meaning at the time, as noted in Luke 18:34, highlighting their spiritual blindness to the necessity of His suffering. This passage underscores the stark contrast between Jesus' clear understanding of His mission and the disciples' inability to comprehend a Messiah who would suffer rather than immediately establish an earthly kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy: The precision of Jesus' words ("scourge," "put him to death," "third day he shall rise again") demonstrates that these events were not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan, foretold centuries earlier by prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 53:5).
  • The Necessity of Suffering and Atonement: The mention of "scourging" and "death" emphasizes the brutal physical and spiritual suffering Jesus would endure. This suffering was not arbitrary but was essential for the atonement of sins, providing redemption for humanity.
  • The Triumph of Resurrection: The phrase "the third day he shall rise again" is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It signifies victory over sin and death, validating Jesus' claims as the Son of God and offering hope for eternal life to all who believe. This promise transforms the tragedy of His death into a glorious triumph.
  • Disciples' Misunderstanding: A recurring theme in the Gospels is the disciples' struggle to comprehend Jesus' path to the cross. This serves as a reminder that God's plans often transcend human expectations and understanding.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "scourge" is mastigoō (μαστιγόω), referring to a severe flogging, often inflicted by Roman authorities as a prelude to crucifixion.
  • "Put him to death" (apokteinō - ἀποκτείνω) clearly indicates execution, leaving no doubt about the fatal outcome.
  • "Shall rise again" (anistēmi - ἀνίστημι) literally means "to stand up again" or "to be raised," emphasizing a physical, bodily resurrection from the dead.

Practical Application

Luke 18:33 encourages believers to trust in God's perfect plan, even when circumstances seem dire or incomprehensible. Just as Jesus knew His path of suffering would lead to resurrection, we can find hope in the face of trials, knowing that God works all things for good (Romans 8:28). This verse also reminds us that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that empowers believers and offers the ultimate promise of eternal life. It calls us to fix our eyes on the complete story of Christ—His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection—as the foundation of our faith and hope.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3 (4 votes)

    For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:4 (4 votes)

    And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

  • Luke 24:7 (4 votes)

    Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

  • Matthew 27:63 (3 votes)

    Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

  • Luke 24:21 (3 votes)

    But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

  • Matthew 16:21 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.