Jesus Predicts His Death For The First Time

11-18-2009
Jesus Predicts His Death For The First Time

Can you imagine being Peter in this situation? First you confess that Jesus is Lord, and then you hear him say he will be killed. As we read the following passage from Matthew 16:21-23, it’s
pretty easy to understand why Peter would say what he does.

“21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
23Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Jesus’ words to Peter seem pretty harsh, but Jesus was simply telling Peter he knows what he’s doing. Peter tried to talk Jesus out of this prediction, but Jesus wouldn’t have anything to do with it because Jesus knew the resurrection would be the reason we are saved to this day. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection are the fundamental truths that Christians understand and believe.

It’s hard to understand how people don’t believe in Jesus as Lord when documented evidence shows he predicted his death and resurrection. If someone told you they were going to be crucified, die, and then rise again, and you witnessed all of this happen, how in the world could you not believe!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 16:21-23
2. Do you understand the prophecy that took place?