New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 20:17

The Last Will Be First

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside and said, Matthew 20:17 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 20:17, in plain English

As they head toward Jerusalem, Jesus pulls the twelve disciples aside to tell them something important.

Why it's here

Jesus knows what's coming and doesn't want them blindsided. This is an intimate, difficult moment.

Who's speaking

Jesus draws His closest friends aside for a conversation no one else will hear.

Where it sits in the story

The road is heading toward Jerusalem, and Jesus wants His friends to know what's waiting there.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

Jesus takes the Twelve aside (kat' idian) as they ascend to Jerusalem, preparing them privately for what lies ahead — His third passion prediction in Matthew.

Language and setting

This is the most detailed of the three passion predictions (cf. 16:21, 17:22-23), adding specific Roman involvement.

Voice

The narrator describes Jesus pulling His disciples aside for a private and solemn revelation.

Significance

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus separates the Twelve from the crowd to deliver the most explicit prophecy of His suffering yet.

In context

Matthew 20:15–19

15Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside and said,

18“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death

19and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life.”

Read all of Matthew 20 — Workers hired at day's end receive the same wage as those who sweated since dawn. God's generosity offends our scorekeeping instincts.

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