There is something quite interesting about putting a puzzle together. A single piece provides a little information, but when connected with many or all of the other pieces, the picture comes into view.
The Apostle Paul has referred to the gospel as a “mystery.” Just as puzzles need to be assembled, mysteries have a problem to be solved or a conclusion to be reached. Today, we get a little bit more of the mystery of the gospel, or the Passion Puzzle.
If you have your copy of God’s word, open to Luke 18:31-34.
In these few verses, we will get to consider three clues and a few questions that will help us assemble the passion puzzle or solve the gospel mystery.
Luke 18:31–34 ESV
And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Over the course of His ministry, Jesus has been gradually giving pieces to the passion puzzle for his people to assemble. He’s not trying to withhold His plan, as much as he is revealing the plan as they are ready to receive it. It’s as though He’s laying breadcrumbs or clues for His people. So, launching from this passage, let’s consider some of the clues or puzzle pieces that Jesus is laying out.
Clue 1: what’s happening now (31a)?
They are going up to Jerusalem. Now Jerusalem is located in the mountains of Judea. It’s sort of in a high valley about 2500 feet above seal level with some taller mountains all around it. Because it is so high, people would often refer to going to Jerusalem as going up. So they are on their way up to Jerusalem.
However, in some ways, this is not new information for us. Back in Luke 9:51, Luke notes that Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. Everything in his ministry from that point forward is in the direction of Jerusalem.
So, what’s happening now? They are headed to Jerusalem - getting closer and closer with each passing day.
Jesus said that they are going up so that “everything written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.” So, that kind of leads us to the next clue that we need to consider…
Clue 2: what was written then (31b)?
Son of Man
Let’s first look at this title “the Son of Man.” This was Jesus favorite term when He referred to Himself. Sometimes He would say things like me, my, and I, but often when He was referring to aspects of His life that fulfilled some prophecy, He would refer to himself in the third person as the Son of Man.
Now, that title is found throughout the Old Testament and it’s typically used in two ways.
Literally - to refer to someone who was born of a human. Which of course is all of us. In fact the book that has the most references to “son of man” is the book of Ezekiel. While that book is prophetic and apocalyptic, “Son of Man” is the title that God uses for Ezekiel - calling him Son of Man some 93 times.
So I don’t think those references are what Jesus is talking about. There is another use for the the “Son of Man” and that is
Figuratively - referring to someone who is more than human. Someone who is different. Someone who is specifically sent from God. God gave the prophet Daniel some very clear visions and timelines. He gave Daniel this picture of the Son of Man.
Daniel 7:13–14 ESV
“I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
So, this Son of Man is actually one “like” a son of man. Someone who seems human, but is more. In many ways, this title appropriately fits Jesus - fully God and fully human. This passage in Daniel is actually the only passage where this phrase “son of man” refers to this other person. So is this the only prophecy that Jesus is referencing?
No, I don’ think so.
It seems like when Jesus uses the Son of Man title, He seems to be using that synonymously with Christ or Messiah - in other words - the promised one. There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah. We don’t have time to go through them all, but let’s consider a few things. Let me encourage you to write down a couple of these references and then look them up at another time.
Prophecies about His birth
We read several of these each year during advent. But let’s just re-hash a few of them.
Called Immanuel and born of a Virgin Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
A descendent of Jesse through David’s line: Isaiah 11:1-10
Prophecies about His ministry
Anointed by the Spirit of God and would minister to the broken and hurting: Isaiah 61:1–2 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;”
The Blind would receive their sight, the deaf would hear, the lame would walk: Isaiah 35:5–6 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;”
So far so good. These prophecies seem to speak specifically about the ministry of the Messiah - all hints that Jesus has already accomplished. While some of that can and may have happened in Jerusalem - none of that had to. But let’s consider a couple of…
Prophecies about His suffering and death
There are two passages that clearly talk about the suffering that the Messiah would endure. Even some pictures about the kind of death he would endure.
Body Pierced, garments divided by lots
Psalm 22 reveals this. I’ll read a few select verses from that Psalm
Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?”
Psalm 22:7–8 “All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!””
Psalm 22:14–18 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”
There is so much more that this Psalm covers, but it helps us to see a bit of what the Messiah, the Son of Man will endure! But this pain won’t simply be meaningless. Isaiah 53 helps us to see that…
His suffering was on behalf of others in order to bring healing and forgiveness
Isaiah 53:1–5 NLT
Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:10 NLT
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
Isaiah 53:12 NLT
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Again, let me encourage you to go back this afternoon or sometime this week a re-read/meditate on some of these prophecies.
I’m not sure that these were all of the prophecies that Jesus had in mind when He said that everything written by the prophets would be accomplished - but it’s a start. There are many more prophecies that deal with His exaltation and His future reign. Many of those are yet to be fulfilled.
We have two clues so far - what’s happening now and what was written then. The next clue that Jesus seems to give is…
Clue 3: what will happen in Jerusalem (32-33)?
This is now the third time that Jesus has told them what would happen (9:21-22; 43-44) when they get to Jerusalem. Here, Jesus delineates 7 things that would happen to him.
Delivered over to Gentiles - or arrested - Luke 23:22, 25
Mocked - Luke 22:63; 23:11, 36
Shamefully treated - in many ways this addresses so much of what Jesus would face in Jerusalem.
Spit upon - Luke doesn’t record the spitting, but both Matthew and Mark do - Mark 14:64; Mt. 26:67; Mark 15:19; Mt. 27:30.
Flogged - or beaten - John records this - John 19:1
Killed - Luke 23:26-49 (crucifixion and death)
Rise from the dead. (Luke 24:6-7, 34, 46)
Now, here’s the thing, all of this activity in Jerusalem seems to not make sense. How can all of this pain, betrayal, and death be meaningful for anything? There is a part of the Messiah’s ministry that is a ruling ministry. He is the King of kings, but how can He rule if He dies?
I think that’s why Luke said that the disciples didn’t understand these things. He goes on to say that this information was “hidden (or concealed) from them.” Which brings us to another question to ask…
Why were the disciples clueless?
It was hidden from them - in God’s sovereign wisdom, Jesus told them this information, but they lacked the ability to put the pieces together. It’s not that they weren’t intelligent or perceptive, but they were intentionally blinded. But why would God do such a thing?
To protect his plan - they would try to usurp the plan thinking that they knew better - how can a death be a victory?
To finish putting all of the pieces of the puzzle on the board - it’s as though God is gradually assembling a puzzle in front of them, gradually revealing the beautiful picture.
When is the mystery solved?
or to say it another way - what do the pieces of the puzzle reveal?
Ultimately, they reveal God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ alone!
Eventually, the disciples finally put the passion puzzle together. Jesus explained everything helped them to understand.
Luke 24:44–47 “Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
They finally got it! They finally understood!
The mystery of the gospel is that the perfect life that God intended for His creation was messed up by sin. Jesus covered that sin - paying for you and me - so that we might have eternal life. A couple of his early followers said this in response:
Paul:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,”
Peter:
1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
I guess there is one final question that we need to address. It’s not in your bulletin, but it requires a response.
What do we do with this information?
I think there are three appropriate responses:
Rejoice - that what was hidden for a time has been revealed to us! May we never take for granted the resource that we have in the Word of God - God’s special revelation.
Respond - this is good news for all - but only if we respond in faith. The Apostle Paul has said: Romans 10:9–10 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” If you’re not yet a follower of Christ, let me encourage you to receive this free gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life by
repenting of your sin,
receiving Jesus as your savior,
responding by going public in baptism and then
revel in all that Christ has done for you - resulting in eternal
rest - complete peace with God.
Reveal - or even Recruit - this is not just good news for us. This is good news for the whole world. In fact after Jesus opened their eyes with all of this information, He said: Luke 24:48–49 “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”” Eventually he will tell them: Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””
Who do we need to tell of the good news? Who do we need to invite?
Let’s pray.
Father, we thank you for your perfect plan. Jesus thank you for your passionate obedience to the plan that you enacted before the creation of the world. Spirit, thank you for your presence with us. Help us to rejoice in all that your plan has purchased and reveal your plan to the world around us. Amen.
Benediction
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Questions for reflection and discussion
Read: Luke 18:31-34
Why is the going up to Jerusalem a significant theme in Luke’s gospel?
What must be accomplished from the prophets writings?
What things will the Son of Man endure? Why is that significant?
Why didn’t the disciples understand these things?
How was the saying “hidden” from them?
Knowing what we do about the entire gospel narrative, how should we respond?
CG Leaders Notes
The references below are not exhaustive - there is a lot more that can be searched and researched, but I hope this is helpful in your discussions.
Predictions from Jesus and their fulfillments:
Persecution
delivered > Luke 23:22, 25
mocked > Luke 22:63; 23:11, 36
shamefully treated (Zeph. 3:11-12)
spit upon > Mark 14:65; Mt. 26:67; Mark 15:19; Mt. 27:30
flogged (Isaiah 50:6) > John 19:1
Death
killed > Lk. 23:26-49 (crucifixion and death)
Resurrection
he will rise > Luke 24:6-7, 34, 46
Some OT Prophecies about the Messiah
The Old Testament contains numerous messianic prophecies that Christians understand as pointing to Jesus. These span multiple genres and centuries, creating a rich tapestry of expectation about the coming Messiah.
Prophecies About His Birth and Identity
A virgin would conceive and bear a son called Immanuel (Isa 7:14), and this ruler of Israel would emerge from Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2). A child would be born bearing titles including Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6–7). A shoot from Jesse’s stump would produce a branch bearing fruit (Isa 11:1–10), while a righteous Branch would arise for David and reign as king, executing justice and righteousness (Jer 23:5–6).
Prophecies About His Ministry and Rejection
The Spirit of the Lord would anoint someone to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives (Isa 61:1–2). The blind would see, the deaf would hear, and the lame would leap (Isa 35:5–6). Yet he would be despised and rejected by people, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief (Isa 53).
Prophecies About His Suffering and Death
He would be pierced for transgressions and crushed for iniquities, with his wounds bringing healing (Isa 53). Like a lamb led to slaughter, he would remain silent before his shearers (Isa 53). His hands and feet would be pierced, his garments divided by casting lots (Ps 22). Though he would be buried with the wicked, he would be with a rich man in death, having done no violence (Isa 53).
Prophecies About His Exaltation
After his soul made an offering for guilt, he would see his offspring and prolong his days, making many righteous through his knowledge (Isa 53). God would not abandon his soul to Sheol or let his holy one see corruption (Ps 16:10). The Lord would say to him, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool” (Ps 110:1–4).
Additional Biblical Passages
A king would come to Zion, righteous and having salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey (Zech 9:9). People would look on him whom they had pierced and mourn for him as for an only child (Zech 12:10). God would raise up a prophet like Moses from among the people, putting his words in that prophet’s mouth (Deut 18:15–18).
Prophecies about the son of man:
The “Son of Man” figure appears throughout Scripture as a symbol of authority, judgment, and future vindication, rooted primarily in Daniel’s vision but developed extensively in the New Testament.
Old Testament Foundation
Daniel envisions one resembling a human being approaching God and receiving dominion, glory, and an eternal kingdom that all peoples and nations will serve. (Dan 7:13–14) This figure represents the Messiah in heavenly glory as head of a universal and eternal kingdom, and connects to humanity’s ideal destiny as represented in Psalm 8.[1]
New Testament Fulfillment and Exaltation
Jesus consistently identified himself with this Danielic figure. At his trial, Jesus declared he would be “seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven,” (Matt 26:64; Mark 14:62) directly invoking Daniel’s vision. Matthew records that the Son of Man will appear in heaven with a sign, and all earth’s tribes will see him coming on the clouds with power and great glory. (Matt 24:30) The Son of Man will arrive with his angels in his Father’s glory to repay each person according to their deeds. (Matt 16:27–28)
Authority and Judgment
The Father granted the Son of Man authority to execute judgment. (John 5:27) When the Son of Man comes in glory with all the angels, he will sit on his glorious throne. (Matt 25:31) Stephen’s vision depicts the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand. (Acts 7:56)
Present and Future State
Revelation portrays him coming with the clouds, visible to every eye including those who pierced him, with all earth’s tribes mourning. (Rev 1:7) John sees one like a son of man seated on a white cloud, crowned with gold and holding a sharp sickle. (Rev 14:14)
[1] John Peter Lange and Philip Schaff, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2008), 99.
Sources:
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Easton, M. G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893.
Hardin, Leslie T., and Derek Brown. “Son of Man.” In The Lexham Bible Dictionary, edited by John D. Barry, David Bomar, Derek R. Brown, Rachel Klippenstein, Douglas Mangum, Carrie Sinclair Wolcott, Lazarus Wentz, Elliot Ritzema, and Wendy Widder. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
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Liefeld, Walter L. “Luke.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.
McKinley, Mike. Luke 12-24 for You. Edited by Carl Laferton. God’s Word for You. The Good Book Company, 2016.
Rea, John. “Prophecy, Fulfillment Of.” In The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, edited by Charles F. Pfeiffer and Howard F. Vos. Moody Press, 1975.
Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. Ryrie’s Concise Guide to the Bible. San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, 1983.
Stein, Robert H. Luke. Vol. 24. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.
Tyler, William S. “The Son of Man.” Bibliotheca Sacra 22, no. 85 (1865): 51–78.
The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press, 2005. Print.
Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.
