“And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again.” – Matthew 17:23 (KJV)
“He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” – Matthew 17:23 (NLT)
“They’re going to kill me, but on the third day I’ll be raised alive.” – Matthew 17:23 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 17:23 Mean?
Matthew 17:23 holds deep significance in Christianity as it foreshadows the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus spoke these words, he was preparing his disciples for the challenging road that lay ahead. He was imparting not just a prophecy, but a profound truth about his mission on Earth. His death was not just an act of violence but a part of a divine plan for salvation. This verse emphasizes that Jesus knew what was to come; he was aware of the suffering that awaited him. The mention of rising on the third day introduces hope into what seems like a dark prophecy. When we hear Jesus say he will rise again, it serves as a reminder of the victory we have through him. This speaks to the heart of our faith: even in moments of despair, there is light and hope shining through.
As readers, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus’ journey through suffering leads us to new life. These words remind us that Christ understands our pain and struggles. He has walked the path and knows the adversities we face. By acknowledging these challenges, Jesus instills in us the assurance that we can overcome. The promise of resurrection reflects God’s ability to bring life from death and to turn our sorrow into joy. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how bleak our circumstances may seem, there is always a way forward, a new dawn awaits us after every dark night.
Matthew 17:23 Explanation and Commentary
Let us dive deeper into the context of this verse. Jesus discusses his impending death openly with his disciples. This was no small thing, especially since the disciples had been witnessing Jesus perform miracles and teach with authority. Understanding that their teacher and leader would face death can be hard for them, and indeed, it rattles their faith. But it is essential to recognize that Jesus was not speaking to instill fear or despair. He was preparing them, outlining the path that they would need to follow as they continued his ministry. He presents his death as a part of the plan for salvation. The mention of resurrection is crucial; it assures the disciples that although there is a dark time coming, it is merely a chapter in a bigger story – one that ends in victory.
In their past experiences, the disciples had seen Jesus perform remarkable miracles, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. To hear that he would face such a tragic end might have caused confusion and heartache. However, Jesus had a mission, and his death was integral to that mission. He came to live among humanity, to experience life fully and ultimately to take upon himself the sins of the world. His resurrection three days later signifies the triumph over death itself, marking a turning point in history for believers. We are offered the hope of eternal life because of what Jesus willingly went through.
This verse connects to many other Scriptures that speak of Christ’s passion and resurrection. For example, Isaiah 53 predicts the suffering servant, portraying agony in anticipation of redemption. The New Testament continues to draw upon this prophetic scripture to enhance our understanding of Jesus’ purpose. The apostles later used these moments to remind believers of the faithfulness of God’s promises and the importance of trusting in Him during uncertain times.
As we reflect on these words, we should take to heart what they teach us. When faced with our struggles and fears, we can look to Jesus, who understands our pain. He exemplifies that despite the challenges, there is always a road toward hope and restoration. When we experience loss or hardship, let us remember the promise of resurrection. Just as Christ overcame death, we too can rise above our circumstances through faith.
Context of Matthew 17:23
Understanding the context in which Matthew 17:23 was spoken plays a significant role in grasping its meaning. This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is traveling with his disciples, teaching them about the nature of his ministry. Just prior to this statement, Jesus had been transfigured on a mountain, revealing his divine nature to his closest followers – Peter, James, and John. They witnessed his glory in a way that made it clear that he was more than just a teacher; he was the Son of God.
After the transfiguration, Jesus identifies himself as the Messiah who must suffer. The disciples had their expectations about what the Messiah would do; they anticipated a king who would establish God’s kingdom through power and might. However, Jesus redefined those expectations. Instead of a triumphant political leader, he presents himself as a suffering servant. This revelation was particularly challenging for the disciples. Just as Peter had acclaimed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus was now outlining a radically different journey – one that involved suffering, rejection, and death.
In this context, the statement about his death is a critical turning point. Jesus reinforces the necessity of his sacrifice, indicating that this was part of God’s salvific plan. When we hear Jesus mention the resurrection after three days, it doesn’t merely highlight his return to life; it speaks volumes to the power of God to bring about new beginnings from endings. This theme of resurrection is central to our faith. It allows us to grasp the incredible reality that what appears impossible to man is possible with God.
Furthermore, this passage aligns with the teachings found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The prophetic references ensure the disciples and later readers might understand that Jesus’ mission was deeply rooted in scripture. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that our faith has strong foundations built upon the prophecies of the past. Knowing that Jesus fulfilled these ancient words deepens our trust in him.
As we apply this context to our lives, we can see how it speaks to the difficulties we face daily. We may be confused, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead. Like the disciples, we might have our understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Jesus’ counsel is invaluable; we don’t have to have all the answers. What we do have is a Savior who walks beside us, guiding us through the dark valleys and leading us toward the light in the resurrection promise. Having faith means trusting even when we do not completely understand. In each setback, there is an opportunity for growth, hope, and renewal.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 17:23
Let’s take a closer look at the key elements of Matthew 17:23 and what they mean for us. The first part of this verse says, “They shall kill him.” This statement conveys a sense of foreboding and foreshadowing. Jesus knew that suffering awaited him and that it would come at the hands of those he came to save. It illustrates the depth of his love and commitment; he was willing to face brutality for the sake of humanity. Understanding this helps us see how we are called to persist in love, even amidst challenges in our relationships and everyday lives.
The next key part is “and the third day he shall be raised again.” This part of the verse is laden with hope and promise. The resurrection represents victory over sin and death. It proclaims God’s ultimate plan to not only redeem humanity but to restore it entirely. When we meditate on this resurrection promise, we find the strength to rise from our despair. It reminds us that we have a living hope in Christ, encouraging us to move forward in faith, regardless of what life may throw at us.
Each piece of this verse forms a profound narrative. The killing signifies despair and the loss of hope, but the proclamation of resurrection introduces the exhilarating reality of new life. This duality is significant; it portrays the ups and downs of life itself. Each of us will encounter moments of grief, disappointment, and sorrow, yet, in Christ, we hold the promise of restoration. The tension between these two aspects challenges us to lean into our faith, embracing both the difficult times and the joyful moments.
This imagery resonates with our everyday experiences. Often we might face overwhelming challenges that feel insurmountable. However, when we focus on the promise that follows those challenges, we unlock possibilities we might otherwise overlook. The path of faith is not always straightforward. But we can choose to trust God, believing that even in our darkest hours, he is orchestrating a beautiful story in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 17:23
This foundational scripture teaches us several vital lessons. Firstly, we learn about the nature of suffering. Jesus exemplifies that suffering can have a purpose – in his case, it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. In our lives, we may encounter suffering and challenges that can feel meaningless. Yet, through faith, we can find purpose and growth even in those hard times. This awareness empowers us to change our perspective. As we go through difficulties, remembering that God is present with us can encourage us to endure.
Secondly, the promise of resurrection symbolizes hope. No matter how grim our circumstances may appear, there is always a chance for renewal and restoration through faith. This reassurance is transformative, allowing us to face our hardships with the confidence that we are not alone. Jesus’ resurrection represents our hope for the future, reminding us of eternal life and the beautiful promises God has for each of us. This hope ignites courage within us, encouraging us to trust God’s plan.
Furthermore, embracing the teachings of this verse instills a sense of peace. Our lives are rarely without turmoil, but anchoring ourselves in faith provides stability. Jesus’ willingness to face death teaches us that vulnerability is not a weakness; it can be a profound source of strength. When we are honest about our struggles, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing and restoration.
Lastly, Matthew 17:23 highlights the importance of building our faith community. Jesus prepared his disciples for the challenges they would face together and continually reassured them of his presence. We, too, are called to support one another through life’s ups and downs, sharing the truths of the Gospel. Gathering with other believers fortifies our faith and encourages us to keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect upon Matthew 17:23, we uncover layers of meaning that invite us to trust, hope, and love. Jesus’ words remind us that suffering is a part of the journey, yet it is met with the promise of resurrection and new life. When we encounter struggles, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, just as he was with his disciples. We carry the assurance that through faith, we will experience both loss and triumph, pain and healing, endings that lead to new beginnings.
Living out these truths means looking for opportunities to embody faith in our daily lives. We can extend grace to those around us, remind others of the hope we have in Christ, and choose to love even when it is difficult. These lessons resonate beyond the verse itself, guiding us toward deeper relationships with God and one another.
If you’re eager to explore more about the life and teachings of Jesus, you might want to read more about his life through other passages. Check out the insights from Matthew 11 or explore the foundational stories in Genesis that highlight God’s continual presence and grace. Each scripture adds depth to our understanding of God’s enduring love and the redemptive work of Christ.
In closing, the journey we walk in faith illuminates the path of hope found in Jesus. Let us move forward together, holding firm to the promise of resurrection and the renewal that follows every ending. There is beauty ahead as we trust in our Savior who has already overcome.