The Third Prediction of the Passion is a significant event in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ foretells His impending suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples. This prediction is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, and Luke 18:31-34. Each account provides a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry.

Context and Setting

The Third Prediction occurs as Jesus and His disciples are on their way to Jerusalem. This journey is laden with anticipation and tension, as Jesus is fully aware of the events that will soon unfold. The prediction is part of a series of three passion predictions, each progressively revealing more details about His fate. This particular prediction is marked by its clarity and specificity, underscoring the inevitability of the events to come.

Scriptural Accounts

· Matthew 20:17-19 : "As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside and said, 'Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day He will be raised to life.'"

· Mark 10:32-34 : "As they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking ahead of them, and the disciples were astonished, but those who followed were afraid. Again He took the Twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him: 'Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles, who will mock Him and spit on Him and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise again.'"

· Luke 18:31-34 : "Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, 'Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything the prophets have written about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.' But the disciples did not understand any of these things. The meaning was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what He was saying."

Theological Significance

The Third Prediction of the Passion is a profound moment that highlights Jesus' foreknowledge and acceptance of His sacrificial role. It emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and redemption. Jesus' use of the title "Son of Man" connects His mission to the prophetic visions found in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and glory.

This prediction also underscores the gravity of Jesus' mission and the cost of redemption. The detailed description of His suffering—being mocked, flogged, and crucified—reveals the extent of His sacrifice for humanity's salvation. The mention of His resurrection on the third day offers a glimpse of hope and victory over death, affirming the core Christian belief in the resurrection.

Disciples' Response

Despite the clarity of Jesus' words, the disciples struggle to comprehend the full meaning of His prediction. Luke notes that "the meaning was hidden from them," indicating a divine purpose in their lack of understanding. This lack of comprehension reflects the disciples' expectations of a triumphant, earthly Messiah and their difficulty in reconciling this with the notion of a suffering Savior.

Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the Third Prediction of the Passion serves as a reminder of the centrality of the cross in Christian faith. It calls for reflection on the cost of discipleship and the call to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. The prediction also reassures believers of the certainty of Jesus' victory over sin and death, offering hope and assurance of eternal life through His resurrection.