Meaning of Matthew 20:18

This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples, is a pivotal prophecy regarding his impending suffering and death. It marks a significant turning point in the Gospel narrative, as Jesus openly declares his destiny and the betrayal he will face in Jerusalem. The phrase "Son of Man" is a Messianic title, linking Jesus to the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, thus emphasizing the divine purpose behind his sacrificial mission. The pronouncement is not a lament but a clear statement of foreknowledge and a testament to his willing submission to God's plan.

Context and Background

Jesus and his disciples are on their journey towards Jerusalem, a journey that will culminate in the Passover festival. This particular statement is made shortly after the request of James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his kingdom, a request that revealed their limited understanding of his suffering Messiahship (Matthew 20:20-23). The disciples, and particularly the inner circle, were still anticipating a political and earthly kingdom, not a kingdom established through suffering and sacrifice. Jesus' words are a stark correction to their expectations, preparing them for the stark reality of his mission.

Key Themes and Messages

• Foretelling of Suffering and Death: The primary message is the explicit prediction of Jesus' betrayal, condemnation, and death. This is not a passive acceptance but a deliberate announcement of what is to come.
• Messianic Identity: The use of "Son of Man" reinforces Jesus' unique identity as the divinely appointed Messiah who would suffer for humanity.
• Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: Jesus' ability to predict these events with such precision highlights his divine nature and his understanding of God's overarching plan.
• The Nature of the Kingdom: This prophecy implicitly contrasts the disciples' earthly expectations with the reality of a spiritual kingdom established through sacrifice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the necessity of Jesus' suffering and death for the redemption of humanity. It reveals that the path to glory and the establishment of God's kingdom is through suffering and obedience. For believers, it calls for a re-evaluation of their own understanding of discipleship, moving beyond superficial desires for status and power to embrace the humility and self-denial that characterize Christ's own path. It also provides assurance that God's plan is sovereign, even in the face of apparent defeat and tragedy.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This prophecy is a crucial link in the fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecies, particularly those concerning the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). It also foreshadows the events of the Passion Week, including the betrayal by Judas, the trial before the Sanhedrin, and the condemnation by the religious authorities. The "Son of Man" imagery directly connects to Daniel's vision of one like a son of man receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14), thus framing Jesus' suffering as a necessary prelude to his ultimate reign.

Analogies

One might liken this to a general informing his troops of an impending, dangerous battle. He doesn't do so to instill fear, but to prepare them for the reality of the situation, to ensure they are not caught unaware, and to communicate the strategic necessity of the costly engagement. Or, consider a surgeon explaining to a patient that a painful but ultimately life-saving procedure is required. The pain is acknowledged, but the ultimate outcome and purpose make it essential.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse directly echoes and is echoed by numerous other passages:

• Isaiah 53:10: "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand." This Old Testament prophecy clearly outlines the suffering servant's atoning sacrifice.
• Matthew 16:21: "From 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, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." This earlier declaration sets the stage for the prophecy in Matthew 20:18.
• Luke 9:22: "He said, 'The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.'" Similar to Matthew, Luke records Jesus' consistent teaching about his suffering.
• John 3:14-15: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." Here, Jesus himself draws a parallel between his impending crucifixion and the bronze serpent, highlighting the redemptive purpose of his "lifting up."