Matthew 20:17

“On the third day he will be raised to life.” v 19

Matthew was not present when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain.  He heard, of course, from Peter, James and John who were present.  They had been startled by many things including the appearance of Moses and Elijah, the voice of God from heaven and so forth. That scene ended on a somber note, however, “The Son of Man is going to suffer…” v 17:12 Then, after healing the boy with a demonic spirit Jesus said, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed…They will kill him.”  17:23 Imagine the pain of these words.

Now, on the eve of this climactic event, Jesus told the twelve, in clear, unadorned phrases, “We are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed…He will be mocked and flogged and crucified.  On the third day he will be raised to life.” v 18,19

I am amazed at how often Jesus recites this sequence of coming events. Probably because he knew how hard it must be to hear, believe and embrace. It also strikes me that in each instance when Jesus predicts his suffering he hastens to say that he will rise from the dead! Crucifixion then Resurrection; Black Friday then sun-lit Sunday; suffering then rejoicing; seeming defeat then amazing victory. These couplets reappear time and again in Jesus’ conversations.

This is the theme of the atoning work of God and it is as true today as then.  Suffering with Christ and being raised by Christ are eternally joined.  All pilgrims know that.  I am glad we do because, as with Jesus, we, too,  endure our crosses knowing the hope that is set before us. There is no other way.  The Cross is as certain as the resurrection.  Jesus is with us in both. Always and forever.

I note the oft-repeated phrase, “The Son of Man” in these last chapters. He is a man and represents all mankind. It reminds us of how we, sons of our Father in heaven, are loved and cared for like Jesus was.  Of course he was also The Son of God, but that is not accentuated here.  He is passing through the vale of suffering.