Matthew 20:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 20:17
17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
Chapter Context
Matthew 20 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, truth, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 20:17
17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
Analysis
And Jesus going up to Jerusalem (ἀναβαίνων εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα)—The verb anabainōn (going up) is geographically accurate, as Jerusalem sits 2,500 feet above sea level, but carries theological weight: this is the final ascent to the cross. Took the twelve disciples apart (παρέλαβεν τοὺς δώδεκα)—Jesus deliberately isolates the Twelve for private revelation, using parelaben (took aside), signaling the gravity of what follows.
This is the third and most detailed passion prediction in Matthew (16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19). The private instruction contrasts sharply with the crowds following Him; the disciples needed preparation for the scandal of the cross that would soon obliterate their messianic expectations.
Historical Context
This journey occurred during the spring Passover pilgrimage of AD 30, when hundreds of thousands traveled to Jerusalem. Jewish pilgrims sang the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) as they climbed toward the Temple Mount. Jesus's deliberate march toward Jerusalem fulfills His resolute determination in Luke 9:51 to 'set his face' toward the city where prophets die.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's intentional isolation of the Twelve for hard truth challenge our tendency to avoid difficult conversations in Christian community?
- What does the geographical language of 'going up' to Jerusalem reveal about the nature of Christ's mission?
- How should the disciples' need for repeated passion predictions shape our understanding of spiritual growth and the slow work of comprehension?