Luke 18:34
But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus' words were "covered" or "veiled" from them, not just forgotten, indicating a profound inability to perceive the meaning due to their ingrained expectations of a triumphant, earthly king, rather than a suffering Servant. Their minds were so set on one kind of Messiah that they couldn't grasp how the prophecies could also point to suffering and death before ultimate victory.
Jesus has just predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time to his disciples as they journey toward Jerusalem. Despite his clear words, the disciples were amazed and afraid, unable to grasp that their promised Messiah would face such a shameful and violent end. This ignorance would continue until after his resurrection, when the full meaning of his words would finally become clear.
Jesus laid it all out – betrayal, suffering, death. Yet, His disciples heard the words but missed the message. What kept them from understanding?
Jesus was heading towards Jerusalem for His crucifixion, a path clearly predicted by the prophets and openly described by Jesus himself. He explained the 'Son of Man' would be delivered, condemned, mocked, tortured, killed, and then rise again.
The Disciples' Lens
However, the disciples were trapped in their own powerful expectations. They envisioned a conquering Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, bringing them honor and power. This deeply ingrained hope acted like a filter, making Jesus' words about suffering seem nonsensibe or even contradictory.
This highlights a critical truth: our own expectations can powerfully shape our perception, sometimes blinding us to reality, even when it's right in front of us.
It wasn't just a simple misunderstanding. Something deeper was at play, clouding their minds and making Jesus' clear words seem unintelligible.
The disciples weren't just intellectually confused; they were emotionally overwhelmed. Jesus' detailed predictions about His suffering and death, while necessary for their future understanding and witness, created a significant emotional and spiritual barrier.
A Veiled Perception
The original language suggests that the message was 'covered' or 'veiled' from them. This wasn't an active hiding by God, but a consequence of their internal state:
The disciples' inability to understand Jesus' predictions highlights their deeply ingrained expectations of a political Messiah, a mindset that would only be overcome by the events of the crucifixion and resurrection, and the later work of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus explicitly tells his twelve disciples that he will be betrayed, condemned, suffer, be mocked, scourged, killed, and rise again on the third day.
c. AD 30
Disciples' Fear and Confusion
The disciples are amazed and afraid, unable to grasp Jesus' words due to their preconceived notions of a triumphant Messiah.
c. AD 30
Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus leads his disciples toward Jerusalem, the city where his suffering and death are to take place.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested by religious authorities, and faces trials before the Jewish council and Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30
This passage directly echoes Luke 18:34, stating that the disciples 'did not understand what this meant, and they were afraid to ask him about what had been said.'
John 12:16This verse shows a later understanding of Jesus' words, explaining that 'his disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written about him.'
Matthew 16:22Peter's rebuke of Jesus' prediction of suffering ('Far be it from you, Lord!') reveals the disciples' resistance to such a 'saying' and their inability to grasp its significance, similar to their later incomprehension.
2 Corinthians 3:15Paul uses the metaphor of a 'veil' over the hearts of the Israelites when reading the Old Testament, illustrating how something can be present but not understood, much like the 'saying' was 'hidden' from the disciples.
calvinLuke 18:31-34: "Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished."
- And Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said to them, 18. Lo, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes; and they will condemn him to death. 19. And they will deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to…
pulpitLuke 18:34: "And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken."
Verse 34. - And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. But they listened all dazed and confused; they could not take it in, neither the shame of the death of their loved Leader, nor the glory of the Resurrection which was to follow immediately after. They could not persuade the…
Jesus' words were "covered" or "veiled" from them, not just forgotten, indicating a profound inability to perceive the meaning due to their ingrained expectations of a triumphant, earthly king, rather than a suffering Servant. Their minds were so set on one kind of Messiah that they couldn't grasp how the prophecies could also point to suffering and death before ultimate victory.
Jesus has just predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time to his disciples as they journey toward Jerusalem. Despite his clear words, the disciples were amazed and afraid, unable to grasp that their promised Messiah would face such a shameful and violent end. This ignorance would continue until after his resurrection, when the full meaning of his words would finally become clear.
Jesus has just predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time to his disciples as they journey toward Jerusalem. Despite his clear words, the disciples were amazed and afraid, unable to grasp that their promised Messiah would face such a shameful and violent end. This ignorance would continue until after his resurrection, when the full meaning of his words would finally become clear.
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This shows that true understanding often requires not just hearing words, but also being in a state of heart and mind open to receiving them, even when they challenge our deepest desires and fears.
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by the Romans, fulfilling the prophecies of his suffering and death.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day, Jesus rises from the dead, confirming his divine identity and overcoming death.
c. AD 30 onwards
Disciples' Understanding Dawns
After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit helps the disciples understand the Scriptures and Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
"But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said." — Jesus' words were "covered" or "veiled" from them, not just forgotten, indicating a profound inability to perceive the meaning due to their ingrained expectations of a triumphant, earthly king, rathe…
