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Matthew 17:23 (BSB)
They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life.” And the disciples were deeply grieved.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life.” And the disciples were deeply grieved.” — Matthew 17:23
In this intense moment, you're witnessing a powerful prediction that shakes the very core of those listening. Imagine being in the crowd, feeling the weight of the words that someone you admire is saying. They're talking about being killed, which is shocking enough, but then comes the twist—being raised back to life on the third day! It's like a plot twist in a movie that leaves you both in awe and deeply troubled. The emotion of distress hangs in the air, as you realize the gravity of what’s being foretold. You can't help but feel the mix of fear, confusion, and hope all at once.
Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples and a former tax collector, wrote this book. He wanted to share the story of Jesus in a way that connected with both Jewish and Gentile audiences. By including this specific detail about Jesus’ death and resurrection, Matthew highlights the core of Jesus' mission. He’s showing us that even in the face of heart-wrenching news, there’s a promise of hope. Matthew's perspective as someone who walked closely with Jesus gives these words a deep personal touch, revealing not just a prophecy but a profound truth about the nature of faith and sacrifice.
This was written at a time when the Jewish people were under Roman rule, feeling oppression and longing for hope. The idea of a leader being killed was terrifying, especially when they were yearning for a savior. In this context, Jesus’ words were radical. Imagine how unsettling it must have been for people who believed in a powerful Messiah to hear that their hope would face death. This setting makes the promise of resurrection even more extraordinary; it’s a declaration that hope can emerge from despair, even in the darkest of times.
This verse is more than just a prediction; it’s a message for your life today. It reminds you that even when things seem hopeless or distressing, there’s a promise of new beginnings. Just like those first followers were grappling with fear, you might find yourself facing your own struggles or uncertainties. This verse speaks to the resilience of hope, showing that from the toughest moments can come incredible transformation. It invites you to hold onto the idea that what feels like an ending can often be the start of something beautiful.
Take a moment this week to reflect on any difficult situations in your life. Are there challenges that feel overwhelming? Use this verse as a reminder that there is potential for renewal and hope, even in the darkest times. Maybe write down a struggle you’re facing and then jot down ways you can see new possibilities emerging from it. Consider reaching out to someone who’s also going through a tough time and share your thoughts. Sometimes, being a source of encouragement for others can help you see hope in your own life.
This verse is pivotal in the larger story that Matthew is weaving. Just before this moment, Jesus has been revealing his identity and mission to his closest followers, showing them glimpses of his power and purpose. But here, he drops a bombshell: he’s not just a miracle worker; he’s destined for a painful fate. This moment sets the stage for everything that follows. The distress felt by the disciples isn’t just about fear for their leader; it’s about grappling with the reality of what it means to follow someone who’s going to face such immense suffering. The tension builds as they struggle to understand how someone who can perform miracles could also face death, and what that means for them as his followers.
What does the idea of resurrection mean to you in your current life situations? How can you apply the hope found in this verse to your own challenges?
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