Matthew 17:22

Matthew 17:22, in plain English

While they were together in Galilee, Jesus told them He was going to be handed over to men who would kill Him, but on the third day He would rise again.

Why it's here

Jesus keeps preparing His disciples for what's coming. Sometimes God tells you about hard things ahead, not to frighten you, but so you can hold onto hope through them.

Who's speaking

Jesus repeats His prediction of death and resurrection to the disciples.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus continues to prepare them for the inevitable. The message hasn't changed: suffering first, then resurrection. Death will not have the last word.

The scholarly reading

The second passion prediction occurs while systrephomenōn autōn ('they were gathering together') in Galilee. Jesus uses mellei paradidosthai ('is about to be delivered/betrayed'), emphasizing divine necessity and imminent fulfillment.

Language and setting

This is the second of three passion predictions in Matthew (16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19). Each prediction grows more specific and follows a revelation of Jesus' glory or authority.

Voice

Jesus delivers His second prediction of suffering and resurrection.

Significance

Jesus again tells His disciples what awaits Him: betrayal, death, and resurrection. The shadow of the cross grows longer.

20“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

22When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.

23They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life.” And the disciples were deeply grieved.

24After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?”

Read all of Matthew 17 — Three disciples witness Jesus transfigured in blinding light alongside Moses and Elijah. Then they come back down to a world that still needs healing.