Luke 18:31 – “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus pulls His disciples aside to tell them something important: they are heading toward Jerusalem, and when they arrive, the prophecies about the Messiah will come to pass. Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title He often used, which highlights His role as both a human and the one chosen by God to redeem His people.
Jesus is not speaking in vague terms—He is telling the disciples that what has been foretold in Scripture, including His suffering, death, and resurrection, will soon happen. This moment is significant because it marks a transition in His ministry. Up to this point, Jesus had been teaching, healing, and performing miracles. But now, He is heading toward the ultimate purpose of His mission: to die on the cross and rise again to secure salvation for humanity.
Historical Context
The Jewish people had long awaited the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Prophets like Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel had spoken about a coming deliverer who would rescue God’s people. However, many Jews expected a political or military leader who would free them from Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom.
When Jesus spoke about going to Jerusalem to fulfill these prophecies, the disciples likely didn’t fully understand what He meant. They still had expectations of a conquering king, not a suffering servant. In fact, as the events unfold, we see that even though Jesus warned them multiple times about His death and resurrection, the disciples were shocked when it actually happened.
By referring to the Scriptures, Jesus was making it clear that His mission was part of God’s plan all along. His death and resurrection were not accidents or failures—they were the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem His people.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation history. Jesus’ journey to the cross wasn’t a backup plan or a last-minute solution to sin. It was part of God’s plan from the beginning. The fact that Jesus references the prophets shows that everything about His mission was rooted in Scripture and God’s covenant promises.
The verse also emphasizes the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. By calling Himself the “Son of Man” and connecting His mission to the Old Testament, Jesus confirms that He is the one God had promised to send. His death and resurrection are not just historical events—they are the climax of God’s plan to save the world.
Additionally, this verse underscores the reliability of Scripture. Jesus trusted the words of the prophets and based His mission on their fulfillment. For Christians today, this is a reminder that God’s Word is trustworthy, and His promises will always come to pass.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is significant because it begins with Jesus taking the disciples aside. This shows that what He is about to say is personal and important. He doesn’t speak to the crowds—He speaks directly to those who have been following Him closely. The phrase “We are going up to Jerusalem” is also important because it signals that Jesus is leading the way. He is fully aware of what awaits Him there, but He moves forward with purpose and determination.
The phrase “everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled” connects the present moment to the larger narrative of Scripture. It shows that Jesus is not acting in isolation—He is the fulfillment of God’s promises made throughout history.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:3-5 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… by his wounds we are healed.”
- Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man is given authority, glory, and power.
- Zechariah 9:9 – A prophecy about the Messiah entering Jerusalem in humility.
- Luke 24:44 – After His resurrection, Jesus reminds the disciples that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.
- Matthew 16:21 – Jesus begins to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed.
These passages show how the Old Testament prophecies pointed to Jesus’ mission and how He fulfilled them.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God. Just as He fulfilled the promises about the coming of the Messiah, He will fulfill His promises to His people today. When believers face challenges, they can trust that God’s plan is still unfolding and that His purposes will be accomplished.
This verse also calls Christians to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ mission. His journey to the cross was not just a historical event—it was an act of love and obedience that secured salvation for all who believe in Him. Knowing that Jesus willingly went to Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering He would endure, should inspire believers to live lives of gratitude and commitment to Him.
Additionally, this verse invites Christians to trust in the authority and reliability of Scripture. Just as the prophecies about Jesus came true, the promises God makes to His people today will also be fulfilled.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse. The fact that Jesus willingly went to Jerusalem, knowing He would suffer and die, demonstrates the depth of God’s love for humanity. His plan to save the world was set in motion long before Jesus’ time, and it was motivated by His desire to redeem and restore His creation.
God’s love is also shown in the way He communicates His plan through Scripture. By revealing His plan through the prophets and fulfilling it through Jesus, God shows that He is not distant or uninvolved—He is actively working to bring salvation to His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His reference to the prophets shows that He is the one they had been speaking about for centuries. By calling Himself the “Son of Man,” Jesus identifies with humanity while also claiming the role of the divine Messiah.
Jesus’ willingness to go to Jerusalem highlights His obedience to the Father’s plan. He didn’t go reluctantly—He went willingly, knowing that His death and resurrection would provide the way for humanity to be reconciled to God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the suffering servant and the victorious Savior.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that Jesus’ journey to the cross was part of God’s plan from the beginning affect your understanding of His mission?
- What does this verse teach you about the reliability of Scripture and God’s promises?
- How can Jesus’ example of obedience to God’s plan inspire you to trust Him, even when His plan involves difficulties or sacrifices?
- In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your own life, just as He was faithful in fulfilling the prophecies about Jesus?
- How can you share the message of God’s love and salvation with others, knowing that Jesus fulfilled the promises made in Scripture?