How does Luke 18:33 demonstrate Jesus' foreknowledge and fulfillment of prophecy? The verse in focus “‘And after they have flogged Him, they will kill Him. And on the third day He will rise again.’” (Luke 18:33) Seeing Jesus’ foreknowledge • Jesus names the exact sequence: flogging → death → resurrection. • He speaks as though the events are settled facts, revealing omniscience. • His prediction is given well before the Passion Week (cf. Luke 18:31), showing it is not a post-event edit. • No disciple grasped the meaning at the time (Luke 18:34), so the prophecy cannot be explained away as group wish-fulfillment. • By foretelling His own resurrection, Jesus displays authority over life and death (John 10:17-18). Echoes of Old Testament prophecy • Mocking and scourging: Isaiah 50:6 — “I hid not My face from disgrace and spitting.” • Piercing and death: Psalm 22:16 — “They pierce My hands and feet.” • Bearing sins: Isaiah 53:5 — “He was wounded for our transgressions.” • Being “handed over” to the nations: Psalm 2:1-2; Isaiah 53:8. • Rising “on the third day”: Hosea 6:2; Jonah’s three days in the fish (Matthew 12:40). Jesus weaves these strands together in one concise statement, showing that He sees Himself as the focal point of Scripture (Luke 24:27). Fulfillment recorded • Flogged: Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15. • Mocked and spit upon: Matthew 27:29-30; Mark 15:19. • Crucified and killed: Luke 23:33,46; John 19:16-18. • Resurrection on the third day: Luke 24:6-7; Matthew 28:5-6; Mark 16:6. Each Gospel writer echoes the very order Jesus predicted, underscoring divine precision. What this means for us • Scripture’s accuracy is verified; prophecy moves seamlessly into history. • Christ’s sovereignty over His own suffering reassures believers of His sovereignty over their lives (Romans 8:28). • The resurrection promise validates every claim Jesus made (Romans 1:4). • Because He knew and fulfilled all, we can rest in the certainty of our redemption (1 Peter 1:18-21). |
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