What does "Son of Man is about to be delivered" reveal about Jesus' mission? Verse under Consideration “Let these words sink into your ears: ‘The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.’ ” (Luke 9:44) Immediate Setting • Jesus has just fed the five thousand (Luke 9:10–17) and been revealed in glory at the transfiguration (9:28–36). • The disciples are amazed at His miracles (9:37–43). • Into that moment of triumph, Jesus speaks soberly about His coming betrayal. The Title “Son of Man” • Draws from Daniel 7:13–14, where One “like a son of man” receives everlasting dominion. • Blends majesty and humility: the exalted Messianic figure who also shares fully in human experience (Hebrews 2:14). • By using it, Jesus claims both divine authority and complete identification with humanity. “Is About to Be Delivered” — Key Observations • “About to” (mellei) signals imminence; the cross is not a distant possibility but the next step in His itinerary. • “Be delivered” (paradidōmi) is passive—pointing to God’s sovereign plan (Acts 2:23) even while human agents (Judas, leaders, Romans) act freely. • The phrase echoes Isaiah 53:6, “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” connecting the coming betrayal to the Suffering Servant prophecy. What This Reveals About Jesus’ Mission • Intentionally Redemptive – Mark 10:45: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – The betrayal is not an accident but the route to the ransom. • Voluntary and Obedient – John 10:18: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” – Jesus embraces betrayal because it fulfills the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8). • Prophetic Fulfillment – Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12–13 foretell a trusted friend’s betrayal and thirty pieces of silver. – Jesus’ words assure the disciples that Scripture is unfolding exactly as written. • Substitutionary Suffering – Delivered “into the hands of men” so that humanity’s sin can be judged in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). – His surrender secures our salvation (1 Peter 3:18). • Certainty of Victory – The same discourse includes the promise of resurrection (Luke 9:22; Mark 9:31), showing death is a doorway, not the end. Why This Matters for Disciples Today • Confidence in God’s Plan – If even betrayal serves divine purpose, nothing in our lives lies outside His sovereignty (Romans 8:28). • Call to Humble Service – The exalted “Son of Man” chose the path of surrender; His followers walk the same road of self-giving love (Luke 9:23). • Assurance of Redemption – Because He was “delivered,” we are delivered—rescued from sin’s penalty and power (Colossians 1:13–14). |
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