Angels remind them: 'Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' Two angels (v. 4) remind the women of Jesus' predictions: 'The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men' (δεῖ... παραδοθῆναι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν, dei... paradothēnai eis cheiras anthrōpōn hamartōlōn), 'and be crucified' (καὶ σταυρωθῆναι, kai staurōthēnai), 'and the third day rise again' (καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι, kai tē tritē hēmera anastēnai). The word 'must' (δεῖ, dei) indicates divine necessity—this was God's plan, not tragic accident. Jesus repeatedly predicted His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33), but disciples didn't understand until after it happened. Resurrection made sense of everything.
Historical Context
Jesus' predictions of death and resurrection appear throughout the Gospels (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33, Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19, Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:32-34). He spoke plainly, yet disciples couldn't process it—they expected a conquering Messiah, not a suffering servant. Only after resurrection did they remember and understand (John 2:22, 12:16, Luke 24:8). The 'third day' specification is crucial—Jesus rose exactly when He said He would. This timing refutes swoon theory (Jesus reviving naturally) since three days entombed without food, water, or medical care would mean death, not recovery. That Jesus predicted not only death but resurrection and timing demonstrates supernatural foreknowledge.
Questions for Reflection
Why couldn't the disciples understand Jesus' predictions of death and resurrection before they occurred?
What does 'must' teach about the necessity of Christ's death and resurrection in God's plan?
How does the specific 'third day' timing support resurrection's supernatural nature?
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Analysis & Commentary
Angels remind them: 'Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' Two angels (v. 4) remind the women of Jesus' predictions: 'The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men' (δεῖ... παραδοθῆναι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν, dei... paradothēnai eis cheiras anthrōpōn hamartōlōn), 'and be crucified' (καὶ σταυρωθῆναι, kai staurōthēnai), 'and the third day rise again' (καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι, kai tē tritē hēmera anastēnai). The word 'must' (δεῖ, dei) indicates divine necessity—this was God's plan, not tragic accident. Jesus repeatedly predicted His death and resurrection (Luke 9:22, 44, 18:31-33), but disciples didn't understand until after it happened. Resurrection made sense of everything.