“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 20:17-28
Matthew 20:17-28 Meaning
As we look deeper into Matthew chapter 20, verses 17 to 28, we can see that Jesus is revealing some critical truths about himself and his mission. These verses mark an important moment where Jesus informs his disciples about what will happen in Jerusalem. He is clear about his upcoming suffering. It’s hard for our human minds to comprehend why someone would willingly go through such an ordeal. However, it shows Jesus’s love and commitment to us.
In this passage, Jesus refers to Himself as the ‘Son of Man.’ This title carries deep significance as it connects to Daniel 7:13-14, where Daniel speaks of a divine figure who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. By using this title, Jesus acknowledges His mission, revealing that He is not just a prophet or teacher but is indeed the one sent by God to save humanity.
Matthew 20:17-28 Commentary and Explanation
In these verses, Jesus speaks to the Twelve disciples with great clarity. He doesn’t sugarcoat what’s about to happen to him. He tells them that he will be delivered over to the chief priests and teachers of the law. These were the religious leaders of the time, enmeshed in their traditions and reluctant to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Despite their religious status, they would play a key role in condemning Jesus and ultimately betraying Him.
When Jesus shares that he will be mocked, flogged, and crucified, it showcases the depth of His love for us. He knows the pain and suffering that awaits him, yet he willingly faces it. His desire is to bridge the chasm created by sin between humanity and God. By undergoing such suffering, He exemplifies the ultimate act of love and sacrifice.
The final part of this passage is where Jesus puts things into perspective. After foretelling His suffering, he announces that on the third day, he will rise again. This promise is incredibly significant as it offers hope and demonstrates that death is not the end. His resurrection confirms His authority and power over sin and death, offering us eternal life.
Historical and Literary Context of Matthew 20:17-28
This passage occurs as Jesus is heading towards Jerusalem during His final week before the crucifixion. Historically, this was a time of great tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. These leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their power and influence over the people. Additionally, the expectations of the Jewish people at that time were high. They were looking for a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression. Jesus, however, defied these expectations with His mission of salvation through sacrifice.
Literarily, the Gospel of Matthew was written to a Jewish audience. Thus, it often references the Old Testament to prove that Jesus fulfills the prophecies about the coming Messiah. By including this prediction of His suffering and resurrection, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’s mission was preordained and essential for human redemption.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 20:17-28
Let us take a closer look at the significant elements of this passage:
1. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
By foretelling His death, Jesus prepares His disciples for the difficult events that are to transpire. It indicates that His suffering is not arbitrary but a part of a divine plan.
2. The Role of the Religious Leaders
The mention of chief priests and teachers of the law emphasizes a stark contrast between spiritual authority and moral integrity. Despite their position, they would choose to reject Jesus’s message.
3. The Nature of Jesus’s Sacrifice
Jesus’s description of what He will endure highlights the extreme nature of His sacrifice. Taking on mockery, physical abuse, and ultimately death to atone for the sins of humanity shows immense love.
4. The Promise of Resurrection
The declaration that he would rise on the third day offers hope. This message is central to the Christian faith, affirming that through Jesus, we can have eternal life.
Theological Significance of Matthew 20:17-28
This passage is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It captures the essence of Jesus’s mission on Earth. Through His foretelling of suffering, Jesus reveals the necessity of sacrifice for salvation. The act of Him willingly accepting His fate underscores God’s profound love for humanity.
Additionally, the resurrection signifies victory over death and encourages believers to hope in eternal life. It reassures us that Jesus’s sacrifice is not in vain. His resurrection paves the way for our reconciliation with God.
This promise contributes to our faith, igniting hope in our hearts. As believers, we are called to spread this message, letting others know about the love and grace that God extends through Jesus.
Matthew 20:17-28 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 emphasizes the call to self-denial that parallels Jesus’s own sacrifice. Following Him requires a willingness to let go of one’s desires in order to embrace His will.
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 Old Testament prophecy speaks to the suffering servant theme, reinforcing the significance of Jesus’s sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
This passage affirms the love God has for us, echoing the sentiments of sacrifice found in Matthew 20:17-28, providing a clear message that salvation is a gift freely given.
Practical Application of Matthew 20:17-28
Understanding Matthew 20:17-28 invites us to reflect on how we can practically apply its profound message in our lives.
1. Embrace Sacrifice
Jesus exemplifies that true greatness is found in humility and self-sacrifice. We can reflect on how we can serve others and put their needs before our own.
2. Cultivate Hope
The promise of resurrection isn’t just a future event. It’s a daily reminder of hope in our lives, giving us assurance amidst struggles and challenges. We should share this hope with others.
3. Engage in Discipleship
Following Jesus requires us to actively walk in His ways. We should foster relationships with others to encourage them in their faith journey, just as Jesus did with His disciples.
4. Live in Gratitude
Recognizing the cost of our salvation leads us to a life of gratitude and appreciation for all God has done. We should aim to live joyfully and express our thankfulness in all circumstances.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Matthew 20:17-28
In contemplating Matthew 20:17-28, we are reminded again of how much Jesus loves us. His willingness to endure suffering for our sake is awe-inspiring. Each time we reflect on this sacrifice, we should feel compelled to respond with love, gratitude, and commitment to share this message with others.
This passage invites us to place ourselves in the story, considering how we can better live out our faith as followers of Jesus. It encourages us to die to our selfish ambitions and to serve those around us.
May we take these reflections to heart, allowing the Spirit to guide us in daily actions that demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus to everyone we encounter. Our lives can reflect the promise of resurrection, offering hope to a world in need.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 20:17-28 presents a powerful narrative that shapes our understanding of Jesus’s sacrifice and the hope that follows. As we absorb its meaning, let us carry with us the truth that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
This chapter encourages us to embrace our role as disciples, willing to act in love, kindness, and humility. Through our actions, conversations, and relationships, we can mirror the heart of Christ.
If this passage resonates with you, feel encouraged to explore more topics from the Bible to deepen your understanding, such as Deuteronomy 28:43 or Philippians 4:6-8. Let’s continue to grow together in faith, hope, and love.