Mark 8:31 – “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the first clear prediction Jesus makes about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Up until this point, He had been performing miracles, teaching, and revealing His identity step by step. But now, after Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah (Mark 8:29), Jesus openly teaches His disciples what being the Messiah truly means.

This verse contains four key truths about Jesus’ mission:

1. “The Son of Man must suffer many things” – Jesus wasn’t going to be a political ruler like many expected. His mission involved suffering and rejection.
2. “Be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law” – The very people who were supposed to lead Israel to God would reject their own Messiah.
3. “That he must be killed” – Jesus was not just going to be opposed—He would be put to death.
4. “After three days rise again” – His death would not be the end. Jesus would rise from the dead, proving His power over sin and death.

This teaching must have shocked the disciples. They had just realized Jesus was the Messiah, but now He was telling them He would suffer and die. This did not fit with their expectations of a victorious, conquering Messiah.

Historical Context

At this time, the Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah, but their understanding was wrong. They expected:

• A military leader who would defeat the Romans.
• A king like David who would restore Israel’s kingdom.
• A powerful ruler who would bring glory to Israel.

Instead, Jesus revealed that:

• The Messiah must suffer (a concept that seemed impossible to them).
• Religious leaders would reject Him (this was shocking because these leaders were supposed to be God’s representatives).
• His mission was not to overthrow Rome but to conquer sin and death.

This moment in Mark’s Gospel is the first time Jesus speaks clearly about His suffering and resurrection. Up until now, He had hinted at it, but now He teaches it plainly.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Was Not an Accident—It Was Necessary – The word “must” in this verse shows that His suffering and death were God’s plan from the beginning.
2. Salvation Comes Through Suffering, Not Political Power – The Messiah’s mission was not to rule with military strength but to give His life for sinners.
3. Resurrection is Central to the Gospel – Jesus didn’t just predict His death—He also predicted His resurrection. His victory over death proves He is who He said He was.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a major shift in Mark’s Gospel.

• “He then began to teach them” – This is the start of a new phase in Jesus’ ministry. From this point on, He focuses on preparing His disciples for the cross.
• “The Son of Man must suffer” – The phrase “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and glory. But here, Jesus connects it to suffering—something unexpected.
• “And after three days rise again” – Jesus is not just predicting death—He is predicting victory.

From this moment on, Jesus will repeat this teaching multiple times (Mark 9:31, Mark 10:33-34), but the disciples struggle to understand it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:3-5 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind… he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” (The Old Testament had already prophesied the Messiah’s suffering.)
• Daniel 7:13-14 – The “Son of Man” receives power and authority (Jesus connects this title to suffering and glory.)
• Psalm 118:22 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders but became the foundation of salvation.)
• Luke 24:46-47 – After His resurrection, Jesus explains, “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.” (His suffering was always part of God’s plan.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to think differently about what it means to follow Jesus.

• Christianity is not about avoiding suffering—even Jesus suffered.
• Jesus’ mission was not about worldly power—it was about laying down His life for others.
• Following Jesus means embracing His cross—we must be willing to deny ourselves and follow Him fully (Mark 8:34).

Just like the disciples, we must realize that God’s ways are higher than our ways. Jesus’ victory came through sacrifice, not through earthly success.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

A loving God was willing to suffer for us.

• Jesus didn’t come to serve Himself—He came to give His life (Mark 10:45).
• His suffering was not meaningless—it was the price for our salvation.
• God’s love is sacrificial—He gave His own Son so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16).

True love is not just words—it is action. Jesus proved His love by willingly going to the cross.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the Messiah, but His mission was different from what people expected.

• He is the Son of Man, fulfilling both the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 and the exalted ruler of Daniel 7.
• He is the rejected cornerstone, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 118:22.
• He is the risen Lord, proving that His suffering was not the end—His resurrection brought victory over sin and death.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus didn’t just teach about suffering—He experienced it for our sake.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus’ prediction of His suffering shocked the disciples?
2. How does this verse challenge common ideas about what it means to follow Jesus?
3. Why was it necessary for Jesus to suffer and die, rather than just establish His kingdom without the cross?
4. How does Jesus’ resurrection give hope in the face of suffering?
5. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus willingly chose to suffer for your salvation?

This verse is a turning point in the Gospel. Jesus was not just a teacher, a healer, or a prophet—He was the suffering Savior who came to die and rise again. His mission was not to take power but to give His life, and in doing so, He opened the way for all who trust in Him to be saved.