Jesus’ second and third predictions of His death also point toward the resurrection that will come through the Messiah. This brings into focus the life that comes through Jesus to a world overcome with death.
(Matthew 17:22-23;20:17-19)
Sermon Outline
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” (Matthew 17:22-23)
Jesus’ Three Predictions
- First prediction (Matthew 16:21) – in Caesarea Philippi
- Second prediction (Matthew 17:22-23) – in Galilee on the way to Jerusalem
- Third prediction (Matthew 20:17-19) – nearing Jerusalem
The Promise of Suffering (Matthew 17:22-23; 20:18-19)
- Handed over – entrusted – betrayed; hints at the role of Judas
- Condemned to death by the chief priests and teachers of the law
- Mocked, flogged, and crucified by the Gentiles
- Hope in Jesus, the light not been overcome by the darkness
Grappling with Grief and Hope (Matthew 17:23)
- The disciples’ grief at Jesus’ prediction
- Losing sight of hope
- Bringing our grief to Jesus
The Pathway of Hope (Matthew 17:23; 20:19)
- On the third day, raised to life
- Love arrives in Jesus
- Hope rises through Jesus
- Faith grasps ahold of Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever experienced what seemed like bad news becoming a pathway toward good news? What happened?
- This week we continue our series, “‘Tis the Reason”, which mirrors our Advent journey by looking at two related texts, Matthew 17:22-23 and 20:17-19. Begin your study in prayerby asking God to speak to you through the Scripture. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read those passages aloud.
- These passages, along with Matthew 16:21, form a series of three predictions about His suffering, death, and resurrection that Jesus makes along the way to Jerusalem. Each prediction augments the information about what Jesus will face there. Why do you think Jesus spoke of this three times?
- In Matthew 17:22, Jesus speaks of being “delivered into the hands of men.” Some read here an early revelation of Jesus being betrayed by Judas (Matthew 26:46-50). What do you think it felt like for Jesus to be betrayed?
- Have you ever been betrayed by someone? How did you experience God’s presence even in betrayal?
- After Jesus speaks of his death and resurrection, Matthew 17:23 says “the disciples were filled with grief.” Why do you think this was?
- In Matthew 20:17-19 Jesus offers the clearest description of His impending suffering and resurrection. What details of Jesus’ description of His suffering stand out most to you from these verses?
- Jesus makes it clear that both the Jewish leaders and the Roman leaders will have a role in His death. Why do you think this might be important?
- In every one of Jesus’ three predictions, He mentions both His death and His resurrection. What do you think the disciples made of these words about being raised to life?
- What is Jesus’ resurrection important in the scheme of salvation? Why is it important to you personally?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 17:22-23 or 20:18-19
- Although we are preparing for Christmas, remember the real reason for this season by reading Matthew’s account of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection in Matthew 26:47-28:15.
- Write a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ death and resurrection, perhaps weaving into it the themes of Advent and Christmas.
- Pray for opportunities to share about Jesus the Messiah with those in your relational network. When God gives you opportunity, speak of Jesus to them.