“Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day, he will be raised to life!”– Matthew 20:17
Matthew 20:17 Meaning
This verse finds Jesus on His way to Jerusalem, signaling a crucial point in His mission on Earth. He takes the opportunity to share a sobering message with His closest followers, the Twelve Disciples. Here, Jesus lays out a prophetic announcement about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection.
The verse teaches us the gravity of what Jesus was about to face as He heads towards His crucifixion. Jesus’ mention of being “handed over” reveals the betrayal He would face, both from those within his own circle and the authorities. It’s a keen reminder for us of the divine purpose behind Jesus’ suffering, stating that there will be a great unfolding of events leading to our salvation.
Matthew 20:17 Commentary and Explanation
As we explore this verse, we can envision the scene. The journey to Jerusalem was filled with anticipation, not just for Jesus, but for His disciples as well. Typically, going to Jerusalem would have brought thoughts of triumph and splendor due to Passover, but Jesus’ words would have brought a wave of confusion and concern among His followers.
By taking the Twelve aside, Jesus offers them a moment of intimacy. This wasn’t just another teaching session; it was a critical conversation meant to prepare them for what lay ahead. He emphasizes that “the Son of Man” is going to be “delivered over,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The title “Son of Man” represents Jesus in His humanity but also alludes to His authority and role in God’s plan. It demonstrates that even as God’s Son, He is subject to human betrayal.
Jesus not only reveals the fate that awaits Him but also the methods of His suffering. He uses strong, evocative language like “mocked,” “flogged,” and “crucified.” Each word not only informs the disciples about the severity of His forthcoming struggles but also invites them into the reality of the cost of following Him. Despite the pain that awaits, Jesus underscores that this suffering is essential to God’s redemptive plan, which He concludes with the promise of resurrection on the third day, delivering a message of hope amid despair.
The gravity of these prophetic words invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. Following Jesus sometimes leads us through valleys of pain or misunderstanding, but the promise of resurrection remains a beacon of hope. We understand that just as Jesus faced trials and suffering with purpose, we too are called to embrace discomfort for greater growth and understanding in our spiritual journeys.
Historical and Literary Context of Matthew 20:17
Matthew’s Gospel is unique in that it is richly steeped in Jewish history and prophecy. The author, Matthew, writes primarily for a Jewish audience and emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This background is essential as we read about Jesus’ journey.
In the time of Jesus, the city of Jerusalem held immense religious significance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem represents not only His final physical journey but also a significant spiritual journey toward fulfilling His role as the sacrificial Lamb for our sins. The events that would unfold in the following days leading up to His crucifixion are crucial in understanding the entire narrative of redemption.
This foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering reflects Old Testament prophecies found in texts like Isaiah 53, which describes the suffering servant who would bear our griefs and sorrows. By referencing His death and resurrection, Jesus reminds His disciples that this is not an unexpected turn of events; it’s a fulfillment of God’s promises throughout history.
In this context, Matthew’s Gospel positions Jesus not only as a historical figure but also as the prophesied Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection would change the world. Understanding this adds depth to His words and actions as He prepares to enter Jerusalem one last time.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 20:17
To grasp the essential elements of this impactful verse, let us break it down into key parts:
1. “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem”
The very act of going up to Jerusalem is significant. It symbolizes the journey toward the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
2. “He took the Twelve aside”
This shows the personal relationship Jesus had with His disciples. It highlights that He cared enough to prepare them for what was to come.
3. “The Son of Man will be delivered over”
This phrase points to the betrayal and the difficult road He would have to endure. Highlighting His identity as the Son of Man, which conveys His role relating to humanity.
4. “to the chief priests and the teachers of the law”
Here, Jesus reveals the individuals complicit in His betrayal. These groups represented the religious authorities of the time, showcasing the conflict between Jesus and the established order.
5. “They will condemn him to death”
Jesus knew that He would face unjust condemnation, reminding us that His journey was filled with real pain and suffering.
6. “and will hand him over to the Gentiles”
This refers to the Roman authorities, indicating the wider political implications of His trial and execution.
7. “to be mocked and flogged and crucified”
These words paint a stark picture of the brutality that awaits, urging us to acknowledge the seriousness of sin and its consequences, providing a contrast to the resurrection promise.
8. “On the third day, he will be raised to life!”
This final statement offers a powerful conclusion, showcasing the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection, assuring us that death is not the end.
Theological Significance of Matthew 20:17
Matthew 20:17 is rich with theological significance. First and foremost, it showcases the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is the culmination of the redemptive arc throughout Scripture. He is the foretold Messiah, and His actions confirm the promises made by God throughout history.
This passage also draws upon the necessity of sacrifice. Through His willingness to endure suffering, Jesus highlights the depth of love He has for humanity. It’s not just a physical journey He undertakes; it carries profound spiritual implications. His suffering and ultimate sacrifice pave the way for reconciliation between God and humanity.
The resurrection is central to Christian faith, and Jesus’ prediction highlights the hope we find in it. It reassures us that even in moments of despair, hope can be found. The resurrection is a guarantee that life triumphs over death and that sin does not hold the final victory. Jesus’ victory allows us to live with confidence and a sense of purpose, knowing that His past sacrifice shapes our future with hope.
Additionally, this passage calls us to consider our call to discipleship. As we follow Jesus, we must remain aware of the need for suffering and personal sacrifice in our journeys. Jesus’ example encourages us to embrace our trials as opportunities to grow in faith and resilience.
Matthew 20:17 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”– Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
This prophetic verse resonates deeply with Matthew 20:17 as it outlines the suffering and sacrifice Jesus would endure. It anchors the Gospel message in interwoven prophecies of the Old Testament.
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
In this New Testament promise, Peter echoes the suffering of Christ, connecting it directly to our healing and righteousness. It serves as an affirmation of the hope and life we are promised through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Practical Application of Matthew 20:17
As we ponder Matthew 20:17, we must ask ourselves what this meant for Jesus and what it means for us today. Here are some applications we can embrace in our lives:
1. Preparing for Challenges
Just as Jesus prepared His disciples, we too must be ready to face hardships in our lives. Understanding that difficult times can propel us into deeper faith allows us to embrace challenges with resilience.
2. Embracing Suffering
Recognizing that suffering can lead to spiritual growth is vital. We should seek to view our struggles as opportunities for growth and transformation.
3. Cherishing Hope
The promise of resurrection provides tremendous hope. As we face trials, we can anchor ourselves in the belief that there is always hope and a new beginning through Christ.
4. Sharing the Message
Like Jesus, we are called to share the truth of the Gospel. Whether through our words or actions, expressing our faith allows us to shine a light for others.
5. Strengthening Relationships
Nurturing our relationships with others, especially in difficult times, mirrors Jesus’ love. We are better together, and offering support to one another is crucial.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Matthew 20:17
As we reflect on Matthew 20:17, it is essential to meditate on the implications of Christ’s journey. Jesus took the initiative to prepare His disciples for the challenges ahead, and we too can approach our lives in a similar manner. Let’s take time to seek God in prayer, asking Him to guide us in preparing for any trials we may face. In our devotion, may we open our hearts to the depth of His love and sacrifice, embracing the message of hope found in the promise of resurrection.
Consider maintaining a journal during this reflective time, jotting down thoughts, feelings, and prayers. Use it as a reminder of the hope we carry as followers of Christ. This will serve as a tangible way to connect to the promise of new life through Him!
Final Thoughts
Matthew 20:17 provides not just a glimpse into Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem but a profound insight into His heart and purpose. It is a reminder that following Christ requires us to embrace the good and the difficult, to reflect deeply on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Each step He took was filled with purpose, leading to the ultimate sacrifice that offers us reconciliation with God. As we live our lives, let us carry forward that same dedication to our faith, embracing both challenges and hopes that shape our spiritual journey.
Let us continue exploring other topics in the Bible together to deepen our understanding and faith as a community. Take some time to look into Psalms 116:1-7 or Jeremiah 14:2. May our love for Scripture grow as we live out His truth each day.