Bible Verse Commentary on Matthew 20:17

Matthew 20:17 states: "And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,"

Contextual Overview

This verse takes place as Jesus prepares to journey to Jerusalem. It serves as a pivotal moment leading to the key events of His crucifixion and resurrection. The mention of Jesus taking His disciples apart highlights the importance of what is about to be conveyed.

Jesus' Foretelling of His Death

In this passage, Jesus is emphasizing His impending suffering and sacrifice. Matthew Henry in his commentary suggests that this statement reflects Jesus’ deep awareness of His mission and the trials He was to face. It is a moment of revelation that emphasizes the severity of what must come.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry discusses how Jesus discreetly separated from the crowd to disclose profound truths to His disciples. He underscores how the knowledge of future sufferings was necessary to prepare the disciples for the trials ahead.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights the significance of Jesus speaking directly to His disciples. He points out that repeatedly foretelling His passion was meant to deepen their understanding of His role and their expectations moving forward.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke observes the gravity of the moment, noting that Jesus was fortifying the disciples for the emotional turmoil that would follow His crucifixion. His insights underscore the necessity of understanding suffering within the framework of God’s plan.

Key Themes and Messages

This verse communicates several vital themes:

• Preparation: The need for spiritual and emotional preparation for the disciples as Jesus explicitly outlines His fate.
• Expectation of Suffering: It instills the idea that suffering forms a crucial part of the Christian journey, echoing the core of Jesus’ teachings.
• Leadership Through Transparency: Jesus demonstrates a profound leadership quality by openly discussing His fate and what it means for His followers.

Application for Daily Life

Understanding Matthew 20:17 allows believers to grapple with the concept of prepared suffering. Just as Jesus forewarned His disciples, Christians are called to recognize and confront challenges in their journeys

• Strengthening Faith: Engaging with passages like this can enhance faith when facing personal trials.
• Community Discussion: Discussing in Bible study groups how Jesus shared His knowledge can encourage openness in addressing struggles among believers.
• Reflective Practice: Personal reflection on the context of suffering can guide believers in their prayer life and spiritual practices.

Bible Cross References

• Matthew 16:21: Jesus predicts His suffering for the first time.
• Luke 22:15-20: The Last Supper, where the meaning of His sacrifice is further expounded.
• Mark 10:33-34: The second foretelling of Jesus’ death, emphasizing the prophetic nature of His mission.

Conclusion

The verse Matthew 20:17 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' commitment to His mission, while also preparing His followers for the difficult truths they must face. By studying such verses, believers enhance their understanding of scripture and gain valuable insights applicable to life's challenges, underpinned by faith.