What is the meaning of Luke 18:34? But the disciples did not understand any of these things Jesus had just detailed His approaching arrest, death, and resurrection (Luke 18:31-33). • Though His words were clear, the Twelve were still expecting a political deliverer like the conquering Son of David (Acts 1:6). • Earlier, Peter actually rebuked Jesus for talking about suffering (Matthew 16:21-23), revealing the grip of preconceived ideas. • Their confusion is not intellectual sluggishness but the clash between their expectations and the true mission of the Messiah foretold in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. • John later admits, “His disciples did not understand these things at first” (John 12:16). Only after the resurrection would the pieces fit together (Luke 24:25-27, 45). The meaning was hidden from them Scripture states the cause plainly: God sovereignly withheld full understanding until the appointed hour. • Luke earlier records, “They did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them” (Luke 9:45). • Divine concealment prevented premature interference with the redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 2:7-8; Acts 2:23). • Jesus Himself praises the Father for hiding truths “from the wise and learned” while revealing them to “little children” (Matthew 11:25). • This hiddenness underscores our dependence on God to open spiritual eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6). and they did not comprehend what He was saying The verse restates their blindness for emphasis, showing how thoroughly they missed the point. • Mark parallels the scene: “They did not understand the statement and were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:32), highlighting fear as an added barrier. • Moments later, two of them lobby for the best seats in the kingdom (Mark 10:35-37), proving their continued misunderstanding. • Only after Pentecost, when the Spirit came (John 16:13; Acts 2:1-4), did their comprehension blossom, turning timid followers into bold witnesses (Acts 4:13). summary Luke piles up three phrases to stress the disciples’ total lack of insight. The blockage was both internal (misguided expectations) and external (God’s purposeful concealment). Their eventual illumination—after the cross, resurrection, and the Spirit’s arrival—shows that understanding the gospel is a gift granted in God’s timing. |
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