Matthew 20:17-19 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Prophetic anticipations.

The roads are now crowded with people journeying to Jerusalem to celebrate there the great annual Feast of the Passover (see Deuteronomy 16:1-7 ). Jesus separated his disciples from the crowd, probably by retiring into some sylvan shade to rest, that he might discourse to them privately of his approaching Passion. His discourse evinces—

I. A DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE .

1 . It anticipated his betrayal .

2 . It anticipated the malignity of the rulers .

3 . It anticipated the violence of the Romans .

4 . It anticipated his resurrection from the dead .

II. A DIVINE PREDESTINATION .

1 . Jesus could have avoided his sufferings .

2 . But he resolutely faced them .

REMARKS .

1 . It is good to converse with Jesus in the way.

2 . It is good to anticipate so as to become familiar with our dying.

3 . It is good to connect with our meditation upon death the matter of our resurrection.—J.A.M.