What does "The Son of Man is going to be delivered" signify for believers? Setting the Scene—Luke 9:44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” Immediate Context • Jesus has just revealed His identity to the disciples (Luke 9:18-20). • He foretold His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22). • The Transfiguration has affirmed His divine glory (Luke 9:28-36). • Now He bluntly prepares the Twelve for the cross. What “Delivered” Literally Means • Greek verb paradidōmi—“to hand over, surrender, betray.” • It is passive: the action happens to Jesus, yet Scripture shows He willingly allows it (John 10:17-18). • It points to both human betrayal (Judas, Jewish leaders, Romans) and God’s sovereign plan (Acts 2:23). Old-Testament Foundations • Isaiah 53:6—“The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • Psalm 41:9—prophetic betrayal by a close friend. • Daniel 7:13-14—“Son of Man” carries royal, messianic authority, yet He first suffers. Why This Matters for Believers 1. Salvation Secured • Jesus’ surrender fulfills the substitutionary atonement (Isaiah 53:5). • Without His being “delivered,” there is no cross, and thus no redemption (Hebrews 9:22). 2. God’s Plan, Not Failure • Betrayal looks like defeat, but it’s divine strategy (Acts 4:27-28). • Believers can trust that God weaves even evil acts into His redemptive purpose (Romans 8:28). 3. Model of Voluntary Obedience • Jesus chooses the path of suffering (Philippians 2:8). • Discipleship involves similar self-denial (Luke 9:23-24). 4. Assurance in Personal Trials • If the Father was sovereign over Christ’s darkest hour, He is sovereign over ours (1 Peter 4:12-13). • Suffering never cancels future glory (Romans 8:17-18). 5. Call to Proclaim the Gospel • The message centers on a crucified and risen Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Bold evangelism flows from confidence in Christ’s finished work (Acts 1:8). Echoes in the Rest of the Gospels • Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:31: each account reinforces certainty—“the Son of Man will be delivered.” • Repetition shows the cross was not accidental but essential. From Betrayal to Triumph • Betrayal leads to crucifixion (Luke 23), crucifixion to resurrection (Luke 24:6-7), resurrection to ascension and ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25). • Believers share in that victory: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Living in the Light of the Promise • Rest in the security purchased by Christ’s deliberate sacrifice. • Embrace obedience even when it involves cost. • Face trials with confidence that God’s purpose cannot be thwarted. • Proclaim the Son of Man who was delivered for sinners—and now delivers sinners from sin and death. |
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