How does Matthew 17:22 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Setting and Wording of Matthew 17:22 “As they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.’” (Matthew 17:22) Jesus’ Statement Echoes Key Old Testament Themes • “Delivered into the hands of men” signals betrayal, rejection, and violent treatment—threads woven through messianic prophecy. • By announcing it ahead of time, Jesus identifies Himself as the One the prophets foresaw and confirms the reliability of their words. Core Prophecies Reflected in Jesus’ Warning 1. Suffering and Rejection • Isaiah 53:3—“He was despised and rejected by men…” • Isaiah 53:7—“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter…” • Psalm 22:6-8—“I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men… ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him!’” 2. Betrayal by a Close Companion • Psalm 41:9—“Even my close friend… has lifted up his heel against me.” • Zechariah 11:12-13—thirty pieces of silver predicted for the Shepherd’s price. 3. Being “Cut Off” or Killed • Daniel 9:26—“After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing.” • Isaiah 53:8—“He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people He was stricken.” 4. Struck by Human Hands, Yet Fulfilling God’s Plan • Zechariah 13:7—“‘Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd… Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’” • Psalm 22:16—“They pierce My hands and My feet.” Prophetic Timeline Illuminated • The Servant’s humiliation (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53). • Betrayal price settled (Zechariah 11). • Shepherd struck, disciples scattered (Zechariah 13:7; cf. Matthew 26:31). • Death of the Anointed One (Daniel 9:26). • Subsequent resurrection promised (Isaiah 53:10-12; Psalm 16:10), implied in Matthew 17:23. Key Takeaways • Jesus’ concise forecast in Matthew 17:22 gathers numerous prophecies into a single, forward-looking statement. • Each Old Testament passage foretold literal events that unfolded in Christ’s passion week—affirming the unity and accuracy of Scripture. • The certainty of prophetic fulfillment underscores the trustworthiness of Jesus’ promise of resurrection (Matthew 17:23) and every promise that follows. |
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