INTRODUCTION
In this passage from the Gospel of Matthew (20:17-19), Jesus makes His third and most detailed prediction of His Passion, foretelling His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. As He and His disciples journey toward Jerusalem – the city where His mission will reach its climax. Jesus takes them aside to prepare them for what is to come. Unlike His previous predictions, this one explicitly mentions His betrayal, condemnation by Jewish authorities, and the role of the Gentiles in His execution. This prophecy not only highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge of His fate but also underscores His willing sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. Despite the grim details of His suffering – mocking, scourging, and crucifixion – Jesus concludes with the promise of His resurrection on the third day, reaffirming God’s ultimate victory over sin and death.
This third prediction of the Passion serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ journey, emphasizing His obedience to the Father’s will and His role as the suffering Messiah foretold in Scripture. The disciples, however, struggle to grasp the full significance of His words, as their expectations of the Messiah do not align with the path of suffering and humiliation that Jesus describes. Through this prophecy, Jesus invites His followers to reflect on the true cost of discipleship and the necessity of suffering in God’s redemptive plan. It also serves as a reminder that, while suffering and death may seem to have the final word, they are ultimately conquered by the power of Christ’s resurrection. This passage calls all believers to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of trials, and to find hope in the promise of new life through Christ.
Matthew 20:17: “As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve [disciples] aside by themselves, and said to them on the way,”
This passage marks a turning point in Jesus’ public ministry as He begins His final journey to Jerusalem. It is the third and most detailed prediction of His Passion, emphasizing not only His suffering but also His ultimate triumph through the Resurrection. Jesus takes His closest disciples aside, revealing to them the full scope of what awaits Him. This moment is filled with deep theological and spiritual significance, highlighting His divine foreknowledge, His obedience to the Father’s plan, and the redemptive nature of His sacrifice.
Jewish and Historical Context
1. The Significance of “Going Up to Jerusalem”
– In Jewish tradition, Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of Jewish life, home to the Temple – the dwelling place of God’s presence (Ps 122:1-4).
– Pilgrimages to Jerusalem were a significant part of Jewish worship, especially during major feasts like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deut 16:16).
– The phrase “going up” (Greek: ἀναβαίνω, anabainó) has both a literal and spiritual meaning. Jerusalem sits about 2,500 feet above sea level, so travelers physically ascended to reach it. Spiritually, it represents Jesus’ ascent to fulfill His mission, much like Abraham ascending Mount Moriah to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:2).
– Isaiah and Micah prophesied that the law and word of the Lord would come forth from Jerusalem (Isa 2:2-3; Mic 4:2), making Jesus’ journey a fulfillment of divine prophecy.
2. Jesus Takes the Twelve Aside
– The number twelve represents the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the foundation of the New Covenant. The apostles are being prepared as leaders of the Church, which will be established through Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection (Rev 21:12-14).
– Jesus separates them from the crowd to privately instruct them about His upcoming suffering. This mirrors how God revealed His divine plan to key figures in salvation history:
– Abraham was called aside to receive God’s covenant (Gen 15:5-6).
– Moses was taken up Mount Sinai to receive the Law (Ex 19:20-21).
– Elijah encountered God in the quiet of Mount Horeb (1 Kgs 19:11-13).
Catholic Interpretation and Teachings
1. Jesus’ Foreknowledge of His Passion
– Jesus does not stumble into His fate unknowingly – He fully understands what awaits Him and willingly accepts it.
– This fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant, who would be “despised and rejected,” bearing the sins of many (Isa 53:3-7).
– The Catechism teaches: “Christ’s whole life was a continual teaching: His silence, His miracles, His prayers, His love for people, His special affection for the little and the poor, His acceptance of the total sacrifice on the Cross for the redemption of the world.” (CCC 561)
2. The Role of Jewish and Gentile Authorities
– Jesus predicts that He will be handed over (paradidōmi, Greek for “betrayed” or “delivered”), highlighting the role of Judas, the chief priests and scribes, and ultimately the Romans in His Passion.
– The involvement of both Jewish and Gentile authorities signifies that Jesus’ death is a sacrifice for all humanity, not just Israel (Jn 3:16).
3. Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Suffering
– The disciples still expected a political Messiah, but Jesus is preparing them for a Messiah who must suffer before entering His glory (Lk 24:26).
– His words challenge not only them, but all believers: To follow Christ means embracing the cross (Mt 16:24, CCC 618).
– Just as Jesus was mocked, scourged, and crucified, Christians are called to endure trials with faith, knowing that suffering leads to resurrection (Rom 8:17).
4. The Promise of the Resurrection
– Jesus does not end His prophecy with suffering – He concludes with hope, promising that He will rise on the third day (Mt 20:19).
– His Resurrection confirms His divine identity (Rom 1:4) and seals the victory over sin and death (1 Cor 15:3-4).
Parallel Bible Passages
1. Similar Accounts in the Gospels
– Mark 10:32-34 and Luke 18:31-34 provide parallel versions of this prediction.
– Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the fear of the disciples as Jesus leads the way to Jerusalem.
– Luke highlights that the disciples did not fully understand the meaning of His words at the time.
2. Old Testament Prefigurations
– Abraham and Isaac (Gen 22:2): Just as Abraham journeyed to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his son, Jesus journeys to Jerusalem to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice.
– Moses and Mount Sinai (Ex 19:3): Moses ascended to receive the Law, whereas Jesus ascends to fulfill it (Mt 5:17).
– The Suffering Servant (Isa 53:3-7): Isaiah prophesied a Messiah who would suffer, be rejected, and yet bring salvation through His wounds.
Reflection
This passage challenges us to ask: Are we willing to follow Jesus, even when the journey leads to suffering?
– Like the disciples, we often struggle to accept suffering as part of God’s plan. However, Jesus teaches that the path to resurrection always passes through the cross.
– As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s will, knowing that suffering is not the end – new life awaits beyond the cross.
– Are we focused on worldly success, or are we walking with Christ toward the eternal Jerusalem?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, He embraced the cross for our salvation. Help us to follow Him with faith, even when the journey is difficult. Strengthen our hearts to trust in Your plan, knowing that through suffering, You bring resurrection and new life. May we walk faithfully toward the heavenly Jerusalem, where You reign forever. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 20:18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ third and most detailed prediction of His Passion (Mt 20:17-19). In it, Jesus reveals to His disciples that His journey to Jerusalem will culminate in His betrayal, condemnation, and death at the hands of the religious authorities. Unlike the previous two predictions (Mt 16:21 and 17:22-23), this one explicitly mentions the chief priests and scribes, underscoring their role in His unjust trial. This prophecy not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine foreknowledge but also highlights His willing acceptance of suffering for the redemption of humanity.
Jewish and Historical Context
1. The Significance of Going to Jerusalem
– Jerusalem was the religious heart of Judaism, home to the Temple – the place where God’s presence dwelled and where sacrifices were offered (Ps 122:1-4).
– The phrase “going up to Jerusalem” is both literal (because of the city’s elevation at 2,500 feet above sea level) and spiritual, signifying Jesus’ ascent toward the fulfillment of His mission.
– Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem coincided with the Passover feast, when Jews commemorated their deliverance from Egypt (Ex 12:1-27). In this context, Jesus is the new Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring deliverance from sin (1 Cor 5:7).
2. The Role of the Chief Priests and Scribes
– The chief priests and scribes were members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council, which held authority over legal and religious matters (Mk 14:53).
– While they were meant to uphold God’s law, they viewed Jesus as a threat to their power and sought to eliminate Him (Jn 11:47-50).
– Their condemnation of Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant, who would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isa 53:3).
3. The Concept of Being “Handed Over”
– The phrase “handed over” (Greek: παραδίδοται, paradidotai) carries a theological and prophetic weight:
– Judas hands Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:15).
– The Jewish leaders hand Him to the Romans for execution (Mt 27:1-2).
– Ultimately, Jesus hands Himself over voluntarily, fulfilling the Father’s will (Jn 10:18).
– This phrase reflects not only human betrayal but also the divine plan of salvation, in which Jesus’ Passion becomes the means of redemption.
Catholic Interpretation and Teachings
1. Jesus as the Suffering Servant
– Jesus’ prophecy aligns with Isaiah 53:7, which describes the Messiah as a silent lamb led to slaughter.
– The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states: “Jesus’ violent death was not the result of chance in an unfortunate coincidence of circumstances, but is part of the mystery of God’s plan.” (CCC 599)
– This verse reminds us that suffering is not meaningless but can be redemptive when united with Christ (Col 1:24).
2. The Priesthood’s Rejection of the True High Priest
– The chief priests, who should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah, instead condemned Him.
– Irony in their actions:
– They sought to eliminate Jesus, yet His death became the supreme priestly sacrifice (Heb 7:27).
– They rejected Him as High Priest, yet He became the true mediator between God and humanity (1 Tim 2:5).
– The Catholic priesthood is founded on Christ, the eternal High Priest, who offered Himself for the salvation of the world (CCC 1544).
3. Jesus’ Willing Sacrifice and Our Call to Follow Him
– Jesus does not avoid suffering; He walks toward it with full knowledge of its cost (Lk 18:31-33).
– As Christians, we are called to embrace our own crosses, knowing that suffering endured with faith has redemptive value (Mt 16:24, CCC 618).
– This verse invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ, even when it leads to trials and rejection.
Parallel Bible Passages
1. Jesus’ Other Predictions of His Passion
– Matthew 16:21: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly… and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
– Matthew 17:22-23: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him.”
– Matthew 20:18 adds new details, particularly the chief priests’ role in condemning Jesus.
2. Joseph’s Betrayal as a Foreshadowing of Christ
– Joseph, the son of Jacob, was betrayed by his brothers and sold for silver (Gen 37:26-28).
– Later, Joseph’s suffering led to the salvation of many during the famine a foreshadowing of Jesus, who was betrayed and condemned for the salvation of the world (Gen 50:20).
Conclusion
Matthew 20:18 is a profound reminder of Jesus’ foreknowledge, obedience, and self-sacrificial love. By willingly submitting to betrayal and condemnation, He fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and paves the way for our salvation. As Catholics, we are called to reflect on His Passion not just as a historical event but as a living mystery – one that invites us to unite our own struggles with Christ and walk with Him in faith.
Reflection
Are We Prepared to Follow Christ Even in Suffering?
– Jesus did not promise an easy path but called His disciples to take up their own crosses (Mt 16:24).
– Like the disciples, we might not fully understand why suffering is part of God’s plan, but we are called to trust in His wisdom.
– When we face rejection, trials, or injustice, do we respond with faith and perseverance like Jesus?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Son willingly walked toward Jerusalem, embracing suffering for our salvation. Give us the grace to follow Him, even when the road is difficult. Help us trust in Your plan, knowing that through suffering, You bring redemption. May we never turn away from our crosses but carry them with love, united with Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 20:19 “And they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
This verse concludes Jesus’ third and most detailed prediction of His Passion (Mt 20:17-19). Unlike previous prophecies, this one explicitly describes the three primary forms of suffering He would endure – mocking, scourging, and crucifixion – before the triumph of His Resurrection. Jesus’ words reveal His divine foreknowledge and His willing acceptance of the Father’s plan for salvation.
Jewish and Historical Context
1. The Meaning of Being Handed Over to the Gentiles
– Jewish leaders lacked authority to execute Jesus under Roman law, so they handed Him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to carry out the sentence (Jn 18:31).
– This fulfilled Isaiah 53:7-8, where the Suffering Servant is described as being “oppressed and afflicted,” yet given over to death.
– The Greek word παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi), meaning to hand over or betray, is significant:
– Judas hands Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:15).
– The Jewish leaders hand Him to Pilate (Mt 27:1-2).
– Pilate hands Him over to the soldiers (Mt 27:26).
– Ultimately, Jesus hands over His own spirit in obedience to the Father (Lk 23:46).
2. The Forms of Suffering: Mocking, Scourging, and Crucifixion
– Mocking – Roman soldiers ridiculed Jesus as a false king, placing a crown of thorns on His head and striking Him (Mt 27:29).
– Scourging – A brutal Roman punishment using whips with metal or bone, often leading to extreme blood loss. This fulfills: “By His wounds, we are healed” (Isa 53:5).
– Crucifixion – The most shameful and painful execution, used for criminals and traitors. Deuteronomy 21:23 states that one hanged on a tree is cursed, pointing to Christ who bore the curse of sin for us (Gal 3:13).
3. The Promise of the Resurrection
– Jesus concludes His prophecy with hope: “He will be raised on the third day.”
– The “third day” has deep symbolism in Jewish thought, marking divine restoration:
– Jonah’s three days in the fish prefigured Jesus’ resurrection (Jon1:17; Mt 12:40).
– Hosea 6:2 prophesies God raising up His people on the third day.
Catholic Interpretation and Teachings
1. Jesus’ Passion Fulfills Old Testament Prophecies
– Jesus’ suffering and death were not accidents but part of God’s redemptive plan (CCC 599).
– As the true Passover Lamb, Jesus offered Himself for the salvation of the world (Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7).
2. The Crucifixion as the Ultimate Act of Love
– Jesus embraced the Cross as the path to redemption, showing perfect obedience to the Father (Phil 2:8).
– The Church teaches that His crucifixion was the supreme act of sacrificial love (CCC 614).
– St. Paul echoes this: “He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8)
3. The Resurrection as the Victory Over Sin and Death
– The Resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith – without it, our faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:17).
– The Catechism affirms: “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ.” (CCC 638)
– Through the Resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, opening the way to eternal life (Rom 6:9).
Parallel Bible Passages
1. Jesus’ Other Passion Predictions
– First Prediction (Mt 16:21) – Jesus speaks of His suffering and resurrection but without details.
– Second Prediction (Mt 17:22-23) – Mentions His betrayal and death but lacks the specifics found in the third prediction.
– This third prediction adds the most vivid details, including mocking, scourging, and crucifixion, making it the most explicit prophecy of His Passion.
2. Comparison with Old Testament Sacrificial Imagery
– Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac (Gen 22:1-14) foreshadows Jesus, the true beloved Son offered on the cross.
– The Passover Lamb (Ex 12:1-14) prefigures Jesus, whose blood delivers us from spiritual death (1 Cor 5:7).
Conclusion
Matthew 20:19 offers a profound glimpse into the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the glory of His Resurrection. By willingly enduring mocking, scourging, and crucifixion, Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and embraced the cross out of love for us. His Resurrection on the third day is the ultimate victory over sin and death, giving us the hope of eternal life.
As Catholics, we are called to reflect on the Paschal Mystery – not just as a historical event, but as a living reality. We unite our sufferings with Christ and trust in the hope of the Resurrection.
Reflection
Do we recognize that Christ’s suffering was out of love for us?
This passage challenges us to see the cross not as a tragedy, but as the greatest act of love in history. It reminds us that our own sufferings can be united with Christ, bringing redemption and hope.
When we face hardships, do we trust that God’s plan leads to resurrection, not just suffering?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Son endured suffering, rejection, and death for our salvation. Help us to embrace our crosses with faith, trusting that suffering leads to redemption. May we never forget the price of our salvation and always walk in the hope of the Resurrection. Strengthen us to follow Christ, even when the path is difficult, knowing that through Him, we have eternal life. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The third prediction of the Passion in Matthew 20:17-19 reveals not only Jesus’ divine foreknowledge but also His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. He willingly walks toward suffering, knowing that betrayal, condemnation, and crucifixion await Him. Yet, amid this solemn prophecy, Jesus does not end with suffering – He promises the Resurrection. This passage reminds us that God’s plan of salvation is not thwarted by human betrayal or suffering but is fulfilled through it. The disciples struggled to understand why their Messiah would endure such humiliation, just as we often wrestle with suffering in our own lives. However, Christ’s Passion teaches us that the cross is not the end; it is the path to glory.
As followers of Christ, we are called not only to admire His sacrifice but to embrace our own crosses with faith and trust in God’s plan. Suffering is not meaningless when united with Christ – it becomes redemptive. The world often seeks power and success, but Jesus shows that true victory comes through humility, sacrifice, and love. His Passion and Resurrection assure us that suffering, no matter how great, is never the final word. We are invited to journey with Jesus, not just to Jerusalem but toward the eternal life He has won for us. Do we trust in His promise? Are we willing to follow Him, even when the road leads to the cross?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Your Son willingly embraced suffering and death to redeem us. As we reflect on His Passion, help us to accept our own crosses with faith and love. Strengthen us to follow Him, even when the journey is difficult, and remind us that through suffering, You bring new life. May we always find hope in the promise of the Resurrection and live as witnesses to Your redeeming love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.