Then he took to him the twelve, and said to them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
Behold.
Luke 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Luke 24:6,7 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, …
Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
and.
Luke 24:44-46 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me…
Psalm 22:1-31 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? …
Psalm 69:1-36 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul…
and said to them,
Jesus frequently used direct communication to convey important truths to His disciples. This phrase indicates a moment of teaching and revelation, where Jesus is about to share significant information. It underscores His role as a teacher and leader, guiding His followers with wisdom and foresight.
“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem,
Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It holds significant historical and religious importance as the city of David and the place where many key events in Israel's history occurred. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is pivotal, as it sets the stage for His crucifixion and resurrection. The phrase "going up" reflects the geographical ascent to Jerusalem, which is situated on a hill, and also signifies the spiritual significance of the journey.
and everything the prophets have written
This phrase connects Jesus' mission to the Old Testament prophecies, affirming the continuity of God's plan throughout Scripture. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel foretold the coming of the Messiah and His suffering. Jesus' reference to these writings underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the divine orchestration of salvation history.
about the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term that Jesus frequently used for Himself. It originates from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is depicted as a heavenly figure with authority and dominion. This title emphasizes both Jesus' humanity and His divine authority, highlighting His role as the prophesied Messiah who bridges heaven and earth.
will be fulfilled.
The fulfillment of prophecy is a central theme in the Gospels, demonstrating that Jesus' life and mission were in accordance with God's predetermined plan. This phrase assures the disciples that the events to come, including Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, are not random but are the culmination of God's redemptive work as foretold by the prophets. It reinforces the reliability of Scripture and the sovereignty of God in bringing His purposes to pass.
Jesus pulls the disciples away from the crowds, signaling the importance and intimacy of what He is about to reveal.
• Personal instruction: “He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples” (Mark 4:34).
• Growing preparedness: Earlier He had already warned them—“The Son of Man must suffer many things” (Luke 9:22)—yet they needed repeated, gentle clarification.
• Discipleship model: By taking them aside, Jesus shows that following Him involves regular moments of focused teaching (compare Matthew 13:11).
Application: The Lord still draws believers aside through His Word and Spirit to prepare us for difficult truths and obedient service.
The journey is deliberate; Jerusalem is not merely the next stop but the divinely appointed stage for redemption.
• Fixed resolve: “When the days were nearing for Him to be taken up, He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
• Prophetic necessity: “It is not possible for a prophet to perish outside Jerusalem” (Luke 13:33).
• Significance of the city:
– Center of sacrifice—the temple where Passover lambs were slain (Exodus 12; John 1:29).
– Seat of religious authority that would reject Him (Acts 4:27).
– Focal point of messianic prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
Application: Jesus walks toward suffering with purpose, showing that God’s plan often leads through, not around, hardship.
This promise affirms both the reliability of Scripture and the identity of Jesus.
• “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself” (Luke 24:27).
• Key foretold events Jesus has in view:
– Betrayal by a close friend (Psalm 41:9).
– Mocking and scourging (Isaiah 50:6).
– Pierced hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10).
– Death with criminals and burial with the rich (Isaiah 53:9, 12).
– Resurrection (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:11).
• “Son of Man” echoes Daniel 7:13–14, where the One like a son of man receives an everlasting kingdom—linking humiliation to ultimate exaltation (Philippians 2:8–11).
Application: Every prophecy concerning the first coming came true; we can therefore trust promises concerning His return (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:20).
Luke 18:31 shows Jesus privately preparing His disciples, purposefully heading to Jerusalem, and confidently affirming that every prophetic word about the Messiah will come true. The verse calls us to trust the Scriptures, follow Christ with resolve, and rest in God’s unfailing plan.
(31-34) Then he took unto him the twelve.--See Notes on Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34. St. Luke, like St. Mark, passes over the parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard. The insertion of the reference to the prophecies of the Passion is, on the other hand, peculiar to him, and is, perhaps, connected with the prominence given to those prophecies in Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44-45.Verses 31-42. - Jesus again tells them of his Passion. The healing of the blind at Jericho. Verse 31. - Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them. St. Mark (Mark 10:32) prefaces this announcement with the words, "And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid." There was something unusual, evidently, in the manner and behaviour of the Master; silently, wrapped up in his own lofty meditations, he strode on in front of the company of his followers. A feeling of awe and fear stole over them as they watched the silent Master with the shadow of the coming cross falling, perhaps, across his countenance. Much had happened lately: the teaching growing more and more solemn as the end drew near; the raising of Lazarus; the intense enmity of the great men of the nation; the fixed determination to put the Master to death; his short retirement; then the announcement that he was going up to face his enemies at the great feast in Jerusalem; and now alone and silent he walked at their head. What was coming? thought the twelve and their friends. He read their thoughts, and, calling them round him, told them what was about to happen. Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.