Otium Sanctum

In Luke, this short passage follows after the Transfiguration and the Healing of the Boy Possessed. To note is the way Luke places the second prediction of his passion within the context of the people's amazement at the healing he just performed. Luke omits here the episode where the disciples ask him why they were unable to drive away the evil spirit. Instead, he inserts the second prediction of the passion putting into stark relief the "defeat" he is going to suffer in the hands of men. The power over the demon that Jesus exercised is in contrast with his declaration that he will be handed over to the power of men. It is as if it was easier for him to vanquish demonic powers than to prevent human beings from the designs that they have in their hearts. And the disciples cannot imagine what he possibly meant since they have seen the marvels that he can perform. "It was hidden [parakekalummenon parakekalummenon] from them.".

The source of this incapacity to understand Jesus betrayal into the power of men is the disciples' expectations about Jesus. This will be shown clearly in the following episode where they would be debating as to who should be considered greatest among them (v. 46).

   The first time that Jesus predicts his Passion is within the context of Peter's Confession. In Luke, that prediction is emphasized since it is expressed in a direct quotation. The second prediction is expressed within the context of a victory over demons and in the midst of the wonderment of a crowd. It is as if in these moments of personal glory, Jesus underlines his defeat. In this second prediction, there is no reference to a resurrection (Compare parallels in Matt. and Mark).

   "(I)t was so hidden from them that they could not perceive it..." This is a Lucan emphasis. The passive form of the verb parakaluptein should be understood simply as an impersonal passive; it need not be considered theological. The motif of something that prevents the disciples from seeing is repeated in Luke 24 (The Disciples Walking To Emmaus). In Acts, Saul begins to "see" after his baptism when the coverings of his eyes fell away.

   Those who are serious in the ministry would readily acknowledge the fact that behind any personal victory there is a lurking evil, the evil of one's own pride. Paul refers to this as a thorn in the flesh that keeps one from glorying in anybody other than in the Lord.