Matthew 16:22

"From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 16:22, Jesus initiates a pivotal moment of revelation for his disciples by disclosing his coming suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem. This declaration was particularly shocking because it contrasted sharply with the disciples' expectations—Jesus had not presented himself as one destined to suffer but rather as a deliverer. The cultural context of first-century Israel would have been deeply influenced by messianic hopes, which often envisioned a conquering king rather than a suffering servant; thus, Jesus' prediction was both unexpected and challenging, requiring his followers to reorient their understanding of the path he was about to take.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. Then Peter took him. This may mean, either to interrupt him, or to take him aside, or to take him by the hand, as a friend. This latter is probably the true meaning. Peter was strongly attached to him. He could not bear to think of his death. He expected, moreover, that he would be the triumphant Messiah. He could not hear, therefore, that his death was so near. In his ardour, and confidence, and strong attachment, he seized him by the hand as a friend, and said, "Be it far from thee." This phrase might have been translated, "God be merciful to thee; this shall not be unto thee." It expressed Peter's strong desire that it might not be.

Related Verses

More from Matthew 16

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