Luke 9:22 – “And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus shares a profound and shocking truth with His disciples: He will suffer, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed, and rise again on the third day. This is the first time in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus openly predicts His suffering and death. The disciples likely found this difficult to understand because they expected the Messiah to be a victorious leader who would establish God’s kingdom without facing defeat or death.

By using the term “must,” Jesus indicates that His suffering and death are not accidental or optional. They are part of God’s plan of salvation. The phrase “Son of Man” comes from the Old Testament, particularly from Daniel 7:13-14, where it refers to a divine figure who will rule over an everlasting kingdom. Jesus is identifying Himself as this figure, but He is also revealing that His path to glory involves suffering and sacrifice.

Historical Context

At the time of Jesus, the Jewish people were living under Roman occupation and oppression. Many expected the Messiah to be a political or military leader who would free them from Roman rule and restore Israel’s independence. The idea of a suffering Messiah didn’t fit with their expectations. In fact, suffering was often seen as a sign of weakness or failure.

The Jewish religious leaders—referred to here as the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law—were responsible for guiding the people spiritually and upholding religious traditions. Ironically, they would be the ones to reject and condemn the very Messiah they had been waiting for. This rejection wasn’t just a matter of misunderstanding; it reflected their hardened hearts and unwillingness to accept Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Was Part of God’s Plan – Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection were not a mistake or a failure—they were necessary for the salvation of humanity. God’s plan was to deal with sin through the sacrificial death of His Son.
2. The Role of Suffering in God’s Plan – Jesus’ words challenge the idea that God’s plans always lead to immediate victory or comfort. Suffering can be part of God’s purposes, and Jesus’ example shows that it can lead to ultimate victory.
3. The Power of the Resurrection – The prediction of Jesus’ resurrection is central to the gospel message. His resurrection proves that death is not the end and that God’s power overcomes even the greatest enemy.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a turning point in Luke’s Gospel, shifting the focus from Jesus’ miracles and teachings to His journey toward the cross. The use of the title “Son of Man” is significant because it highlights both Jesus’ humanity and His divine mission. The structure of the verse presents a progression: suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. This pattern reflects the path Jesus must take and sets the stage for His later teachings on discipleship and the cost of following Him (Luke 9:23-24).

The contrast between rejection and resurrection is important. The very people who should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah (the religious leaders) will reject Him, but their rejection will not have the final say. God’s plan will triumph through the resurrection.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who will bear the sins of many, pointing to Jesus’ role in salvation.
• Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man is given authority and glory, foreshadowing Jesus’ role as the divine ruler.
• Matthew 16:21 – A parallel passage where Jesus predicts His suffering, showing that this teaching was central to His mission.
• Acts 2:23-24 – Peter explains that Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan and that God raised Him from the dead.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges Christians to understand that faith in Jesus involves more than just believing in His miracles or teachings—it requires embracing His death and resurrection as the foundation of salvation. Just as Jesus predicted His suffering, Christians are called to understand that following Him may involve hardship, rejection, or sacrifice.

It also reminds believers of the hope found in the resurrection. Jesus’ prediction of His death is not the end of the story. The promise of the resurrection assures us that even when life is difficult, God’s power will ultimately bring victory.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed through His willingness to send His Son to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Jesus didn’t endure suffering because He deserved it—He did it out of love for humanity. His death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love (Romans 5:8).

This verse also shows God’s love through the promise of the resurrection. Jesus’ suffering wasn’t the end of the story, and God’s love ensures that suffering for His people is never meaningless. The resurrection is a reminder that God’s love leads to life, hope, and restoration.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse as the “Son of Man” who fulfills God’s plan of redemption. His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection are at the heart of the gospel message. Jesus willingly embraced this path, knowing that His sacrifice would bring salvation to all who believe in Him.

The resurrection is key to understanding Jesus’ mission. Without it, His death would have been just another tragedy. But by rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated His victory over sin, death, and the grave, confirming His identity as the Messiah and Savior.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that His suffering and death were necessary as part of God’s plan?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that following Jesus means avoiding suffering or hardship?
3. What does the promise of the resurrection mean for you personally when you face difficult times?
4. How does understanding Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice deepen your appreciation for His love and the gift of salvation?
5. How can you share the full message of Jesus’ death and resurrection with others, especially when they expect God to work in ways that bring immediate success or comfort?