What is the meaning of Matthew 20:17? As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem – Jesus is moving with determined purpose toward the city where prophets said Messiah would suffer and triumph (Isaiah 53; Zechariah 9:9). – The phrase underscores His sovereign control: He is not dragged to the cross; He “set His face” toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). – Each ascent to Jerusalem in the Gospels (Mark 10:32; John 12:12) heightens anticipation of the Passover, foreshadowing the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). He took the twelve disciples aside – Drawing the Twelve away from the crowd signals a private, family conversation—He is preparing His closest followers for what lies ahead (Matthew 13:11). – This intimacy reveals both pastoral care and intentional discipleship: “I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). – Moments like this—Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:21) or the Mount of Olives discourse (Matthew 24:3)—show Jesus cultivating understanding in stages, so their faith will stand when the storm hits (Luke 22:32). and said, – What Jesus is about to say (Matthew 20:18-19) is His third detailed prediction of suffering, death, and resurrection. Each prophecy grows clearer, reinforcing the certainty of Scripture (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53). – By speaking plainly, He dismantles any earthly-kingdom expectations and anchors them in the redemptive plan foretold from Genesis 3:15 onward. – Later, the disciples will remember these words and believe (John 2:22; Luke 24:6-8), becoming bold witnesses who proclaim, “God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 2:24). summary Matthew 20:17 offers more than a travel note; it reveals a Savior intentionally advancing toward the cross, shepherding His chosen disciples, and declaring God’s immutable plan. Every step toward Jerusalem is a step toward our redemption, fulfilling prophecy and inviting believers to trust the One who knew, foretold, and accomplished it all. |
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