Definition: And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Mark 8:31. It’s a really important and complex passage in the Bible, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus’s plan for his own suffering and death. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he began to teach them…” : Jesus is teaching a group of people – likely his disciples – about something significant that was coming to happen with him. It’s not just any teaching; it’s a warning and a roadmap for the future. “…that the Son of man must suffer many things…” : This is the core message. "The Son of man" refers to Jesus Christ. He's telling his followers that he will experience hardship, pain, and loss – a lot more than just everyday struggles. It’s saying he’ll endure significant challenges. “…and be rejected of the elders…” : This means that after Jesus dies, some religious leaders (the elders) might not accept him or his teachings. They may see him as a threat to their authority or tradition. “…and [of] the chief priests, and scribes…” : This expands on the rejection. It's not just any elders; it’s specifically the leaders of the Jewish religious authorities – the high priests and scribes who were very important in the Temple. They held significant power over the people. “…and be killed…” : This is a direct statement about Jesus’s death. He's destined to die. “And after three days rise again.” : Now, this is the most surprising and crucial part! Jesus promises to rise from the dead after just 3 days. This isn’t just a symbolic promise; it’s a guarantee of his victory over death. Putting It All Together – The Big Picture: Jesus is telling his followers that his suffering will be immense, and he will face opposition and rejection. But this suffering isn't the end. He says he will rise from the dead, demonstrating his power over death itself. It’s a message of hope – even though it’s terrifying, it points to victory over evil and the limitations of life. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus's crucifixion. It highlights that suffering is inevitable for those who follow him, but it’s also a promise of ultimate triumph. It speaks to themes in Christianity about: The sacrifice of Christ: The verse emphasizes the importance of his death as a way to redeem humanity. Resurrection and Victory: It's a fundamental belief that Jesus will ultimately conquer death and return for us. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/the-Bible/8/8](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/the-Bible/8/8) Wikipedia - Mark 8:31: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_8%3A31](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_8%3A31) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore a different aspect of this verse?