Commentary on Luke 18:32

Verse Reference: Luke 18:32 - “For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on.”

Introduction

This verse is a profound representation of the full awareness of Christ regarding His impending suffering and crucifixion. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He predicts the events that will culminate in His sacrificial death. Different public domain commentaries offer rich insights that help unpack the significance of this passage for understanding the nature of Christ's mission, His identity, and the reactions of those around Him.

Contextual Overview

In the context of Luke 18, Jesus is nearing the Passion; He speaks directly to His disciples about the events ahead. This foreshadowing not only portrays His prophetic insight but also sets the stage for the theological implications of His suffering.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the prophetic nature of Christ's words. He notes that Jesus foresaw all that would happen to Him, thus affirming His divine knowledge. Henry suggests that this foreknowledge serves multiple purposes:

• Validation of His Messiahship: By predicting His passion, Jesus provides assurance of the prophetic writings concerning the Messiah.
• Encouragement for the Faithful: The suffering and humiliation that Jesus predicted should fuel believers' steadfastness in face of trials.
• Preparation for the Disciples: Christ wished to prepare His disciples for the imminent faith crisis they would face after His arrest and persecution.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes focuses on the implications of Christ being delivered unto the Gentiles. He elucidates several critical points:

• Gentiles as Symbolic Opposition: By being handed over to the Gentiles, Christ signifies the universal rejection He would face, not just from the Jews but from all humanity.
• Fulfillment of Scripture: This delivery was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53, where the Suffering Servant is depicted as being despised and rejected.
• Purpose of the Mockery: The mockery and spiteful treatment were not only prophetic but served to illustrate the depth of human sinfulness and the enormity of Christ’s love.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a nuanced look at the sufferings predicted by Jesus. He underscores the significance of:

• The Margin of Suffering: Clarke goes into detail regarding the types of cruelty Jesus would endure (mocked, treated spitefully, spat upon), indicating the extreme nature of His sacrifice.
• Rejection and Alienation: The importance of the Gentiles in this context signifies a broader, more inclusive understanding of sin and salvation that transcends Jewish tradition.
• Theological Implications: Clarke links Christ's suffering to the redemptive purpose, portraying Him as the Lamb of God whose mission was to take away the sins of the world.

Theological Implications

This verse encapsulates profound theological themes that resonate throughout the New Testament:

• Christ's Suffering as Atonement: The predictions made by Jesus illustrate how His suffering is central to the doctrine of atonement, where the righteous would suffer in place of the unrighteous.
• The Role of the Messiah: The foretelling of these events solidifies Jesus' role as the suffering Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and reshaping the understanding of what it means to be a savior.
• Human Reaction to Divinity: The mockery and spitting illustrate the ironic rejection of divine truth by humanity—where the holy is scorned by the unholy.

Application for Modern Believers

For pastors, theologians, and students of Scripture, Luke 18:32 provides rich material for reflection and teaching:

• Encouragement in Suffering: As believers reflect on Christ's suffering, they find strength in adversity, knowing their struggles are understood by a Savior who faced immense humiliation.
• Hope in Redemption: This verse reinforces the hope that comes from understanding that suffering is often part of the divine plan leading to glory and redemption.
• Call to Identify with Christ: Believers are encouraged to identify with Christ's suffering, leading to a transformed understanding of their own trials.

Conclusion

Luke 18:32 serves as a poignant reminder of the redemptive purpose of Christ’s suffering and the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. The insights provided by classical commentaries reveal layers of meaning in this verse that can deepen the faith of believers and inform their understanding of Scripture. These reflections encourage contemporary Christians to engage with the text, moving beyond historical critique to profound spiritual application.