Luke 18:33 – “They will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus completes His prediction of the suffering He will endure in Jerusalem. He tells His disciples that He will be flogged (a brutal beating often done with whips), killed, and then rise again on the third day. This is not the first time Jesus has warned His disciples about His death, but here He gives more specific details about the pain and humiliation He will experience.
The mention of flogging and death emphasizes the reality of His sacrifice—it wasn’t going to be a quick or painless process. He would be brutally tortured and publicly executed. However, Jesus doesn’t end with the prediction of His death. He follows it with the promise of resurrection. This shows that His death is not the end of the story but part of God’s plan to defeat sin and death once and for all.
Historical Context
Flogging and crucifixion were common forms of punishment in the Roman Empire, especially for criminals and those seen as threats to Roman authority. Flogging was done with a whip that had pieces of bone or metal embedded in it, designed to tear the flesh. Many people didn’t survive the flogging itself, but those who did were then taken to be crucified. Crucifixion was considered one of the most shameful and painful ways to die.
By mentioning both flogging and death, Jesus is describing the full extent of the suffering He will endure. The Romans used this punishment to humiliate and break the spirit of their victims, and Jesus knew that He would be subjected to the same treatment. However, His death would be different because it had a purpose—He was dying to save humanity from sin.
The mention of the third day refers to His resurrection, which would fulfill Old Testament prophecies and demonstrate His victory over death. In Jewish tradition, the “third day” was significant and often represented a moment of divine intervention (Hosea 6:2).
Theological Implications
This verse lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus’ death and resurrection are central to the message of the gospel. Without His death, there would be no atonement for sin, and without His resurrection, there would be no victory over death. This verse emphasizes that Jesus willingly endured suffering and death as part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.
Theologically, this verse teaches the concept of substitutionary atonement—Jesus took the punishment that humans deserved because of their sins. His suffering was not meaningless; it was necessary to satisfy the justice of God while also displaying His mercy. Through His death, Jesus paid the price for sin, and through His resurrection, He conquered death and secured eternal life for believers.
Additionally, the resurrection demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Jesus’ prediction that He would rise on the third day shows that His death was not a defeat but a victory. It also assures believers that God keeps His promises.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured to emphasize the sequence of events: suffering, death, and resurrection. The specific mention of flogging and killing highlights the depth of Jesus’ suffering, while the mention of the third day introduces a note of hope. The contrast between death and resurrection is central to the Christian message—what seems like a defeat is actually a victory.
The phrase “on the third day he will rise again” is the climax of this verse. It shifts the focus from the suffering and humiliation of the cross to the triumph of the resurrection. This literary structure mirrors the gospel message itself: suffering and sacrifice lead to glory and new life.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
- Psalm 16:10 – “Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
- Hosea 6:2 – “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.”
- Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel tells the women at the tomb, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
These passages reinforce the themes of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, showing that they were prophesied in Scripture and fulfilled in His life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the cost of their salvation. Jesus endured intense suffering and death so that they could be forgiven and have eternal life. His willingness to go through such pain out of love for humanity should inspire deep gratitude and devotion.
This verse also offers hope. No matter what suffering believers experience in this life, they can be confident that death is not the end. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, those who trust in Him will share in His resurrection and experience eternal life. The promise of the resurrection gives Christians the strength to face trials, knowing that God’s ultimate victory is certain.
Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to live with an eternal perspective. If Jesus was willing to suffer and die for their sake, they are called to follow His example by living sacrificially, serving others, and sharing the good news of His salvation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is on full display in this verse. He sent His only Son to endure unimaginable suffering and death to save sinners (John 3:16). Jesus’ willingness to be flogged, mocked, and crucified shows the depth of God’s love—He was willing to pay the highest price to bring humanity back into a relationship with Him.
God’s love is also seen in the promise of the resurrection. He didn’t leave Jesus in the grave, and He won’t leave His followers in their sin or suffering. His love is redemptive, offering new life and eternal hope through the resurrection of Christ.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus—His mission, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. He is the central figure in God’s plan of salvation, and this verse encapsulates that plan. By predicting His own death and resurrection, Jesus shows that He is in control of the situation. He is not a victim of circumstance; He is the Savior who willingly lays down His life for His people.
Through His death, Jesus fulfills the role of the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through His resurrection, He proves that He has power over death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding the suffering Jesus endured deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?
- What does the promise of the resurrection mean to you personally?
- How can Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die for others inspire you to live a life of selflessness and service?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to trust in the power of the resurrection to bring new life and hope?
- How can you share the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection with others in a way that highlights God’s love and grace?