Matthew 17:22-23, Jesus Again Foretells his Death and Resurrection

22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

Comments

The group gathering in Galilee traveled with Jesus to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Jesus used the passive voice “about to be delivered,” suggesting betrayal (Judas Iscariot) and the Old Testament idea of God delivering someone into the hands of an enemy. Jesus knew God controlled all the events leading to his death but also to his resurrection. His group, however, only heard the bad news.

Prayer

Merciful God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(BCP, p, 280)