What did Jesus tell the Twelve about His coming suffering in Luke 18:31?
He told the Twelve that they were going up to Jerusalem, where all things written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man would be accomplished. He would be delivered to the Gentiles—Rome—and would be mocked, spitefully entreated, and spit on; it had not yet happened but would be.
Les explains that Luke 18:31 is set toward the end of Christ's earthly ministry, near Caesarea Philippi at the headwaters of the Jordan River. Jesus said to the Twelve, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished." Les points out it had not happened yet, but it would. The Son of Man would be delivered to the Gentiles—that is, to Rome or the Romans—mocked, spitefully entreated, and spitted on. Les emphasizes this was before the death, burial, and resurrection were completed, so the gospel of grace could not yet be preached; it had to be completed and revealed. Everything Jesus said and instructed was in compliance with the Mosaic system, not the gospel of grace.
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.