Luke 17:25
But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus repeatedly predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33), but disciples couldn't comprehend how Messiah could suffer. Jewish expectation emphasized Messiah's conquering power (Daniel 7:13-14), not suffering servanthood. They missed Isaiah 53's suffering servant prophecies, unable to reconcile victorious Messiah with rejected sufferer. Peter even rebuked Jesus for predicting death (Matthew 16:22).
The phrase 'this generation' carried ominous weight. Jesus elsewhere condemned it as 'wicked and adulterous' (Luke 11:29), more culpable than Sodom and Nineveh (Luke 10:12-14, 11:31-32). Their rejection of Messiah would bring covenant judgment—Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70 (Luke 21:20-24). Yet even this generation's rejection served God's redemptive purpose: their delivering Jesus to crucifixion accomplished atonement for sin (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28). God's sovereignty turns human rebellion into salvation's accomplishment. Still, willful rejection brings accountability—advantages increase responsibility (Luke 12:47-48).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' emphasis on suffering before glory challenge prosperity gospel theology that promises immediate blessing?
- What does it mean practically to embrace the necessity of suffering in Christian discipleship?
- How should the pattern of rejection-then-vindication shape believers' expectations during persecution or opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. Jesus abruptly shifts from future glory to present suffering. The word first (πρῶτον, prōton) establishes chronological necessity—before the glorious return (v. 24), the suffering servant must endure the cross. Must he suffer (δεῖ αὐτὸν πολλὰ παθεῖν, dei auton polla pathein)—the verb dei (δεῖ) indicates divine necessity, not mere prediction. God's redemptive plan required Messiah's suffering (Luke 24:26, Acts 17:3, Hebrews 2:10). The phrase many things (πολλὰ, polla) hints at the comprehensive nature of His passion: betrayal, arrest, trials, beating, mocking, crucifixion.
And be rejected of this generation (καὶ ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, kai apodokimasthēnai apo tēs geneas tautēs)—the verb apodokimazō (ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι) means to reject after examination, to disqualify, to refuse as unworthy. It's used of builders rejecting a stone (Psalm 118:22, quoted in Luke 20:17). This generation (τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, tēs geneas tautēs) identifies Jesus' contemporaries—the Jewish leaders and people who would cry 'Crucify him!' (Luke 23:21).
This verse prevents triumphalist eschatology divorced from suffering. Before crown comes cross; before exaltation comes humiliation; before glory comes rejection. Jesus models the pattern believers must follow (Luke 9:23, 14:27). The 'already/not yet' kingdom includes present suffering and future glory. Those who long for 'the days of the Son of man' (v. 22) must first walk the way of the cross. Suffering isn't accidental or avoidable—it's the path Christ took and calls us to follow.