What is the meaning of Matthew 20:18? Look, we are going up to Jerusalem Jesus gathers the Twelve and speaks plainly. • Jerusalem is the appointed place. Earlier He had “set His face resolutely toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), showing unwavering purpose. • Every previous warning—“From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer” (Matthew 16:21)—narrows to this moment. • Going up implies pilgrimage. At Passover the city swells with worshipers; Jesus goes not merely as a participant but as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • His words are a gentle summons: “we are going.” The disciples will witness everything firsthand, preparing them to become eyewitnesses (Acts 1:21-22). • Nothing is accidental. Isaiah 50:7 foresaw, “I have set My face like flint.” The journey is God’s plan unfolding, not circumstances spiraling out of control. and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes • “Son of Man” links Jesus to Daniel 7:13-14, the divine figure who receives everlasting dominion. The One who rules forever first chooses to suffer. • “Will be delivered over” points to both human betrayal (Judas, Matthew 26:14-16) and divine sovereignty: “This Man was handed over by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). • The religious leadership—chief priests and scribes—represent the very system meant to recognize Messiah. Their rejection fulfills Psalm 118:22, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • Jesus knows the details beforehand. John 13:19 records His purpose: “so that when it happens, you will believe that I am He.” • By naming His accusers, He assures the disciples that Scripture stands firm—Zechariah 11:12-13 foretold the betrayal price, Isaiah 53:3 the rejection. They will condemn Him to death • The leaders’ verdict in Matthew 26:65-66 (“He is worthy of death!”) completes Jesus’ prophecy exactly. • Yet legal condemnation does not equal moral guilt. Peter later declares, “You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him” (Acts 3:15). • This condemnation fulfills the Servant Song: “He was pierced for our transgressions… the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6). • Jesus’ foretelling highlights His willing sacrifice; He is not trapped by events but offers Himself (John 10:18, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord”). • The death sentence will lead to the triumph of resurrection (Matthew 20:19 continues, “and on the third day He will be raised to life”). Even the darkest decree serves the brightest redemption. summary Matthew 20:18 shows Jesus walking knowingly toward suffering, betrayal, and unjust condemnation. He identifies the place (Jerusalem), the title (Son of Man), the perpetrators (chief priests and scribes), and the result (death), proving that every step is foreseen and foretold. Far from a tragedy spiraling beyond control, the verse reveals the deliberate, loving plan of God: the promised Messiah willingly offers Himself so that prophecy stands fulfilled and salvation is secured for all who believe. |
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