Luke 18:33

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luke 18:33 (KJV)

Context

Luke 18:33 is part of Jesus’ third and most detailed prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection, spoken as He and the Twelve journey toward Jerusalem. In the preceding verses, Jesus explains that the Son of Man will be delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, and spit upon. Verse 33 adds that they will scourge Him, put Him to death, and that on the third day He will rise again. This prophecy prepares the disciples for the events that will unfold in Jerusalem, highlighting Jesus’ foreknowledge and His voluntary submission to the Father’s plan.

Meaning

The verse states that Jesus would be scourged and put to death. Scourging was a severe form of punishment involving flogging with a whip or rods, often a precursor to crucifixion, the Roman method of execution. This prophecy reveals the extent of Jesus’ suffering, emphasizing the brutality and injustice He would face. It underscores the sacrificial nature of His death, as He willingly endured pain and humiliation for the salvation of humanity. Jesus also predicts that on the third day He would rise again, a powerful statement of hope and victory over death. The resurrection is central to the Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus’ power over sin and death and serving as the foundation of hope for all believers.

Biblical connections

Luke 18:31 emphasizes that these events fulfill all things written by the prophets about the Son of Man, connecting Jesus’ suffering and resurrection to the Old Testament promises. The disciples, however, understood none of these things at the time; the saying was hidden from them (Luke 18:34), showing that the full meaning of Jesus’ words would become clear only after the resurrection.

Application

Luke 18:33 finds its fulfillment in the events of Jesus’ passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. As prophesied, Jesus was scourged, crucified, and died on the cross. On the third day, He rose from the dead, triumphing over sin and death. This fulfilled the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and established the truth of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. For believers, this verse calls us to trust in Jesus’ predictions and to live in the light of His sacrifice and victory. It reminds us that suffering and death are not the end; through Christ, resurrection and hope are certain.

Reflection

Jesus’ willingness to face scourging and death, knowing He would rise again, demonstrates His complete obedience to the Father and His love for humanity. His resurrection assures us that His redemptive work was accomplished according to divine plan. As we reflect on this verse, we are invited to place our confidence in Jesus’ words and to find hope in His victory over death, knowing that His promises are trustworthy.