Luke 18:31
English originalThis is the sixth prediction and allusion of Jesus' death in Luke (Luke 9:22, 44; 12:50; 13:32-33; 17:25). Jesus told his disciples, "We are going up to Jerusalem" (Luke 18:31). Hendriksen states:
"Going up to Jerusalem" (John 2:13; 5:1; 11:55; Acts 11:2; 25:1, 9; Gal. 2:1) must be understood as having reference not only to physical ascent, Jerusalem being situated on higher ground, so that from whatever side one approaches it, that approach is always an ascent; it is far more than that. It must be interpreted as a matter not just pertaining to the feet (Psa. 122:2), but also - in fact especially - to the heart (Psa. 84:5). In Jerusalem was God's Temple! When in connection with the great feasts pilgrims wended their way to Jerusalem, they were going there to worship, and this included the bringing of an offering. Jesus, too, is now "going up to Jerusalem," to bring himself as an offering for "the sin of the world." See Isa. 53:10; John 1:29.
Jesus announces that they are heading to Jerusalem to fulfill all that the prophets have written (Luke 18:31). Note Jesus' emphasis on God's divine sovereignty ("will be fulfilled" (Luke 18:31) and "will rise again" (Luke 18:33)) and human responsibility (Luke 18:32 "He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him"). Compare Acts 2:22-23; 4:27-28; cf. Luke 2:39; 12:50; 13:22, 32; 22:37; 24:44-47; Acts 13:29. The crucifixion and all that surrounds it is not a surprise to Christ - he willingly goes to the Cross for his people (John 10:17-18). He knows Jerusalem (and its Cross) has been identified as the city of fulfilling what the prophets spoke of (Luke 9:22, 31; 13:33-34). The disciples do not understand all of this till later (Luke 18:34; cf. Luke 24:45). They have the "words" but not yet full understanding. Hughes writes:
Jesus prepared his disciple for his impending death. written by the prophets. Jesus wants the disciples to be clear on the fact that his crucifixion and death were not unknown to God. All of his promises had been moving toward the coming of Christ (24:26-27, 44-47). Son of Man. See note on 5:24.But even so, the disciples just did not get it! Luke emphasizes this three times in Luke 18:34: "The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about." Amazing! They had been with Jesus nearly three years night and day, and now Passion Week was almost on them, and they did not understand what was about to occur. Why? The big reason is that their minds simply did not have room for a suffering, dying Messiah (cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44-46). The idea was theologically beyond their grasp. Only history and Christ himself would open their eyes, as Luke would record in his final chapter: "Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him" (Luke24:31).
Today we have four supreme Gospel accounts, but our understanding still requires the work of the Holy Spirit. If you understand but do not truly understand, if the ideas are taking shape but you are not yet on the inside of the mystery, if you feel like a spiritual interloper, ask Christ to open "the eyes of your heart" (Ephesians 1:18).
The story of Christ's healing of the blind man stood in dramatic contrast with the incomprehension of the Twelve. Their spiritual blindness was reproved by the blind sight of a beggar. The story elucidates the genesis and flowering of a blind man's faith and is a treasure for all who would see.