Matthew 20:17 - As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,

Generated Verse: Matthew 20:17

What does "Matthew 20:17" mean?


This verse, Matthew 20:17, is a pivotal point in the Gospel narrative and holds several layers of meaning:

Jesus is intentionally heading towards Jerusalem: This is not a casual journey. Jesus is consciously and deliberately making his way to Jerusalem. This emphasizes the purposeful nature of his mission, even though he knows what awaits him there.

Imminence of his suffering and death: Jerusalem is the center of Jewish religious and political power, and Jesus knew he would face opposition and ultimately be crucified there. This journey represents a commitment to fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah and carrying out God's plan of salvation.

He takes the twelve disciples aside: Jesus chooses to share crucial information with his closest followers, the twelve disciples. Taking them aside suggests a moment of intimacy, privacy, and importance. He wants to prepare them for what is about to happen.

"On the way he said to them...": This indicates that Jesus used the journey itself as an opportunity for teaching and preparation. The journey provides a space for Jesus to give special teachings to his closest followers. The journey itself becomes a learning experience.

Foreshadowing and preparation: The verse sets the stage for Jesus to predict his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection (which he does in the verses that follow). He wants to give them a warning, a prophecy, and a chance to understand the true nature of his mission, which involves suffering before glory. He is trying to help them grapple with the difficult reality ahead.

In summary, Matthew 20:17 is a transition verse that highlights the intentionality of Jesus's journey to Jerusalem, the impending nature of his suffering and death, and his desire to prepare his disciples for the events to come. It underscores the importance of his mission and the difficult path he was about to tread.

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