It is striking that in this verse it is stated three times that the disciples did not understand Jesus' words regarding what he is about to experience very soon in Jerusalem. What is our Master talking about? It sounds unbelievable to them. Surely something that terrible cannot possibly be happening to him there? Is this merely a matter of a lack of imagination and a certain disbelief on the part of the disciples, or is there more that is going on?
Earlier, the evangelist Luke had also pointed out the disciples' inability to comprehend what Jesus had to endure in Jerusalem (Luke 9:45). Apparently, they are not yet allowed to grasp it. Jesus has to suffer alone and in great loneliness, misunderstood even by his closest disciples. Such was God's plan for him. Only after Easter will this be revealed to them. Only then will their understanding be made receptive to it (see Luke 24:44–46).
34 Mais ils ne comprirent rien à cela; c'était pour eux un langage caché, des paroles dont ils ne saisissaient pas le sens.