Matthew 20:18

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

הננו עלים ירושלימה ובן האדם ימסר לראשי הכהנים ולסופרים והרשיעהו למות:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples that they are going to Jerusalem and he will be betrayed by the chief priests and scribes who will condemn him to death. It's a clear prediction of what is about to happen.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're on your way to school and you know some kids might pick on you, but you still go because it’s important. That’s like Jesus saying he knows something bad will happen in Jerusalem, but he has to go there anyway.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD, likely for a Jewish-Christian audience living outside of Israel. The setting was one where the Temple and its leadership held significant power and influence over religious life.

Living It Out Today

Consider when you might need to do something difficult that you know will cause problems, like telling someone something they don't want to hear. Jesus' example shows us to stand strong even in tough situations because it is right.

Topics

• faithfulness
• sacrifice
• prophesy
• betrayal
• leadership
• judgment

Related Verses

• Mark 10:32
• Luke 9:51
• John 18:14
• Isaiah 53:7
• Acts 3:18

Recommended Reading

Commentary Matthew Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem if he knew what would happen?

Jesus went to Jerusalem because it was part of God's plan for him to save humanity. Even though he knew the difficulties and betrayal, his mission required him to face them.

How could Jesus predict his own death so accurately?

As the Son of God, Jesus had divine knowledge and foresight into what was going to happen. His prediction shows his divinity and the certainty of the events leading to his crucifixion.

What can we learn from this about facing difficulties head-on?

We can learn that sometimes doing the right thing requires us to face difficult situations with courage and faith, just as Jesus did. It teaches perseverance in faith even when it's hard.

Why were the chief priests and scribes against Jesus?

The chief priests and scribes opposed Jesus because they felt threatened by his teachings that challenged their authority and religious practices of the time, leading to their betrayal and condemnation of him.