Luke 17:25
But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 17:25
But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word "first" here isn't just about sequence; it's a crucial reminder that the suffering and rejection by that specific generation were prerequisites for Jesus' ultimate glory and return. This wasn't an optional detour, but the very path that made His eventual triumph meaningful and even necessary.
Jesus has just spoken about the suddenness of his return, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot. He now emphasizes that before he appears in glory, he himself must first endure immense suffering and be rejected by the people of his own time. This stark contrast between his future glory and his immediate future of pain and abandonment is a crucial, often overlooked, part of his message to his disciples.
We often think of Jesus' return as all about glorious victory. But the Bible is clear: suffering came first. Why?
Jesus directly links His future glory with His present suffering. The disciples are focused on the 'kingdom' and His return, but Jesus reminds them of a crucial truth: the cross is not an unfortunate detour; it's the essential path to glory.
A Divine Necessity
The Greek word for 'must' here isn't just a suggestion; it implies a divine necessity. Jesus 'must' suffer. This wasn't a backup plan; it was the ordained way God’s plan of salvation would unfold. His rejection and suffering were prerequisites for His ultimate triumph and return.
Not an Afterthought
Notice how this teaching is placed right in the middle of a discussion about His coming again. It’s not an isolated event but a foundational part of the entire narrative. The suffering Messiah precedes the glorified Messiah.
Jesus faced rejection. What does it mean that He was rejected by 'this generation,' and what does that say about us?
The phrase 'rejected by this generation' is powerful. It highlights the specific context of Jesus' ministry and the immediate response He received from the people living at that time.
A Scandalous Truth
To be 'rejected' means to be disowned, cast aside, and deemed unworthy. This was the bitter reality for Jesus, even as He brought God’s kingdom near. It wasn't a quiet disagreement; it was a profound dismissal by the very people He came to save.
A Warning for Us
This rejection serves as a stark warning. It shows that embracing God’s Messiah isn't always met with open arms. The people of His generation, caught up in their own expectations, missed the Messiah standing right in front of them. It calls us to examine our own hearts: are we truly open to how God reveals Himself, or do we have preconceived notions that might lead us to reject Him?
Understand the original words
pathein · Greek Verb
To experience physical, mental, or spiritual pain or hardship. In a biblical context, it often refers to the redemptive sufferings of Christ required for the atonement of sins.
apodokimasthēnai · Greek Verb
To refuse, dismiss, or cast aside as unworthy. It implies the active turning away from God’s appointed Savior and his message.
genea · Greek Noun
A corporate group of people living at the same time, often characterized by their attitude toward God or his messengers. In this context, it refers to the contemporaries of Jesus who failed to recognize him.
This verse highlights the essential, yet often difficult, truth that Jesus' glory and eventual return are inextricably linked to his suffering and rejection by the very people he came to save. It's a stark reminder that the path to redemption is paved with sacrifice.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus commences his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee. This period is marked by growing crowds and increasing attention from religious authorities.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Predicts His Suffering
Jesus begins to explicitly tell his disciples that he must suffer, be killed, and be raised again, a message that is often met with confusion and resistance from them.
c. AD 30
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, hailed by crowds, but this public affirmation is soon followed by his rejection by the religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Crucified
Despite the crowds' initial support and the disciples' hopes, Jesus is betrayed, tried, and crucified by the Roman authorities at the urging of Jewish leaders.
This passage directly foretells the suffering and rejection of the Servant of the Lord, mirroring Jesus' fate and highlighting the prophetic necessity of his suffering before glory.
Psalm 22:1-2The lament in this psalm about being forsaken by God and scorned by people vividly captures the essence of Jesus' rejection, showing this theme was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy.
Acts 4:11This New Testament passage quotes Psalm 118:22, calling Jesus the 'stone that was rejected by you builders,' which directly echoes the rejection Jesus faced from the religious generation of his day.
Philippians 2:8-11This text describes Jesus humbling himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross, emphasizing the profound suffering and humiliation that preceded his exaltation, aligning with the 'suffer and be rejected' theme.
barnesLuke 17:25: "But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation."
See the notes at Mark 8:31 .
vincentLuke 17:25: "But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation."
RejectedSee on disallowed, 1 Peter 2:4; and tried, 1 Peter 1:7.
The word "first" here isn't just about sequence; it's a crucial reminder that the suffering and rejection by that specific generation were prerequisites for Jesus' ultimate glory and return. This wasn't an optional detour, but the very path that made His eventual triumph meaningful and even necessary.
Jesus has just spoken about the suddenness of his return, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot. He now emphasizes that before he appears in glory, he himself must first endure immense suffering and be rejected by the people of his own time. This stark contrast between his future glory and his immediate future of pain and abandonment is a crucial, often overlooked, part of his message to his disciples.
Jesus has just spoken about the suddenness of his return, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot. He now emphasizes that before he appears in glory, he himself must first endure immense suffering and be rejected by the people of his own time. This stark contrast between his future glory and his immediate future of pain and abandonment is a crucial, often overlooked, part of his message to his disciples.
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c. AD 30
Jesus is Resurrected
After his death, Jesus is raised from the dead, demonstrating his divine authority and fulfilling prophecies, offering hope to his followers.
"But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation." — The word "first" here isn't just about sequence; it's a crucial reminder that the suffering and rejection by that specific generation were prerequisites for Jesus' ultimate glory and return. This was…