Verse of the Day: Matthew 20:17-19
Verse of the Day
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Matthew 20:17-19
While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.”
Introduction
Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem was not just a physical movement but a deeply symbolic and spiritual journey toward the fulfillment of His mission. In this passage, He foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time, providing a stark contrast between the disciples’ expectations of a Messianic triumph and the reality of His sacrificial path. As we explore these verses, we see Jesus’ unwavering commitment to God’s redemptive plan and the necessity of His suffering for our salvation.
Commentary
This passage is significant as it marks Jesus’ final and most detailed prediction of His Passion. Unlike previous times, He now explicitly mentions that He will be condemned by the Jewish religious leaders and then handed over to the Gentiles. The inclusion of mocking, flogging, and crucifixion highlights the depth of His suffering. Despite this grim prophecy, Jesus ends with a declaration of hope: “On the third day he will be raised.” This not only affirms His foreknowledge of the events but also His trust in God’s ultimate victory over death.
The disciples, however, struggled to comprehend what Jesus was telling them. They were expecting a triumphant Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, not a suffering servant who would die at their hands. Their expectations reveal the common human tendency to focus on immediate glory rather than the deeper spiritual realities of God’s plan.
Understanding the Context
This prophecy comes at a crucial point in Jesus’ ministry. As He approaches Jerusalem, the place of His crucifixion, the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities intensifies. His words serve as both a warning and a preparation for His disciples.
Historically, crucifixion was the most shameful and brutal form of execution, reserved for criminals and revolutionaries. The mention of Gentiles underscores that Jesus’ death would be orchestrated not just by Jewish leaders but also by the Roman authorities, fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah would suffer at the hands of both His own people and foreign rulers (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).
Spiritually, Jesus’ willingness to embrace suffering demonstrates the nature of true discipleship. His path to glory was not through political power but through self-giving love. This sets the stage for the lessons on servanthood and sacrifice that follow in the subsequent verses.
Application for Today
Jesus’ words challenge us to reconsider our understanding of success, suffering, and faithfulness. In a world that often equates success with power, recognition, and comfort, Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes through humility and self-sacrifice.
1. Following Jesus Means Carrying Our Cross – Just as Jesus willingly walked toward suffering for the sake of others, we are called to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). This might mean enduring hardships, choosing integrity over convenience, or serving in ways that go unnoticed.
2. God’s Plan Often Defies Human Expectations – The disciples struggled to understand why Jesus had to suffer, just as we sometimes question God’s plan when faced with difficulties. Yet, just as Jesus’ suffering led to resurrection, our struggles, when entrusted to God, can lead to spiritual growth and renewal.
3. Hope in the Resurrection – No matter how dark the situation, Jesus’ promise of resurrection assures us that suffering is not the end of the story. We, too, can trust in God’s power to bring new life out of our hardships.
Reflection
Take a moment to consider: How do you react when God’s plan does not align with your expectations? Are there areas in your life where you resist sacrifice because it seems too difficult? How can Jesus’ example of obedience and trust in God encourage you to follow Him more fully?
As we reflect on this passage, may we find courage in knowing that Jesus not only predicted His suffering but embraced it for our sake. May we, in turn, trust Him in our own journeys, confident that, just as He was raised on the third day, God will bring victory out of our struggles as well.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
