Matthew 20:17

KJV

¶ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} going up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414} took {G3880} the twelve {G1427} disciples {G3101} apart {G2596}{G2398} in {G1722} the way {G3598}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua was going up to Yerushalayim, he took the twelve talmidim aside by themselves and said to them, as they went on their way,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:17 marks a profound moment in Jesus' ministry, depicting His deliberate and resolute journey towards Jerusalem, the destined city of His passion and triumph. On this final ascent, Jesus privately gathers His twelve disciples, setting the stage for a solemn and critical revelation concerning His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, underscoring the divine necessity of these events within God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard ([Matthew 20:1-16](/matthew/20-1-16 "Matthew 20:1-16 - Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard")), which explores themes of divine grace, generosity, and the surprising nature of God's kingdom economy. The transition to Matthew 20:17 shifts from public teaching to private instruction, signaling a heightened urgency and gravity. This is the third and most detailed of Jesus' passion predictions in Matthew's Gospel, building upon earlier, less explicit warnings in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection") and [Matthew 17:22-23](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection"). The act of taking the disciples "apart" emphasizes the confidential and weighty nature of the message, preparing them for the climactic events that will unfold in Jerusalem, even if their full comprehension would only come later.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, the capital of Judea, held immense religious and political significance. It was the site of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship, and the seat of the Sanhedrin. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a plateau, requiring an "ascent" from nearly all directions, making the phrase "going up to Jerusalem" a literal description of travel. Culturally, pilgrimage to Jerusalem, especially for Passover, was a common practice, and Jesus' journey aligns with this tradition, though His purpose was far more profound. The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, particularly the chief priests and scribes, had already shown hostility towards Jesus, and His arrival there would inevitably lead to confrontation. The disciples, expecting a political Messiah, likely anticipated a triumphant entry to establish an earthly kingdom, making Jesus' subsequent revelation of suffering particularly shocking and difficult for them to grasp.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:17 contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, demonstrating that Jesus' journey to the cross was not an accident but a predetermined part of God's redemptive plan, a path Jesus willingly embraced (cf. [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Resolves to Go to Jerusalem")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Preparation for Sacrifice and Resurrection**, as Jesus meticulously prepares His closest followers for His impending suffering and ultimate victory over death, an event crucial for the salvation of humanity (cf. [Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Resurrection of Jesus")). Thirdly, the act of taking the disciples "apart" emphasizes **Intimacy and Intentional Discipleship**, revealing Jesus' commitment to personally instruct and equip His inner circle with vital truths, even when those truths were challenging to accept. This private instruction contrasts with His public ministry, indicating the unique importance of this particular revelation for His chosen witnesses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **going up (Greek, _anabaínō_):** This verb signifies a literal ascent, as Jerusalem is geographically elevated. However, in this context, it also carries profound spiritual weight, indicating Jesus' deliberate and purposeful journey towards the climax of His earthly ministry—a pilgrimage to fulfill God's redemptive plan through His suffering and resurrection. It implies a resolute movement towards a divinely appointed destination.
* **apart (Greek, _ídios_):** Used in conjunction with the preposition `katá` (G2596), forming the phrase `kat' idian` (κατ' ἰδίαν), meaning "privately" or "by themselves." This word emphasizes the exclusive and intimate nature of the conversation Jesus is about to have with His twelve disciples. It highlights a deliberate separation from the larger crowd or other followers, underscoring the confidential and weighty significance of the message that follows, intended specifically for His inner circle.
* **said (Greek, _épō_):** This primary verb denotes speaking or saying, often implying a direct and authoritative declaration. In this context, it introduces Jesus' solemn and crucial pronouncement regarding His passion and resurrection. It signifies a formal and intentional communication of a vital truth, rather than a casual remark, setting the tone for the prophetic revelation that is to follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus going up to Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the setting and the protagonist's intentional action. Jesus is not merely traveling but is actively "going up," signifying a resolute and purposeful movement towards the city that will be the stage for the culmination of His earthly ministry. This ascent is both geographical and theological, marking the final phase of His journey towards fulfilling prophecy.
* **"took the twelve disciples apart in the way":** This phrase details Jesus' specific action and audience. He deliberately separates His inner circle—the twelve, representing the core of His new covenant community—from the larger group or public. The phrase "apart" (κατ' ἰδίαν) underscores the private and intimate nature of this gathering, indicating that the message He is about to deliver is of profound importance, reserved for those He has specially chosen and prepared. This act occurs "in the way," meaning while they are still on the journey, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the upcoming revelation.
* **"and said unto them,":** This final clause introduces the direct communication. Having established the setting and the private audience, the verse concludes by stating that Jesus then spoke to them. This sets the expectation for the momentous prophecy that immediately follows in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 20:18-19](/matthew/20-18-19 "Matthew 20:18-19 - Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection for the Third Time")), where He explicitly details His betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' deliberate journey to Jerusalem and His private conversation with the disciples directly anticipate the climactic events of His passion, death, and resurrection detailed immediately afterward. The setting of "Jerusalem" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a geographical location but also the prophetic center for the Messiah's suffering and triumph, a place of both rejection and ultimate redemption. The act of taking the disciples "apart" (κατ' ἰδίαν) highlights **Intimacy** and **Exclusivity**, emphasizing the special relationship Jesus had with His twelve and the weighty, confidential nature of the truths He was about to impart, distinguishing this instruction from His public teachings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:17 is deeply theological, revealing Jesus' full awareness and willing submission to God's sovereign plan for salvation. His deliberate journey to Jerusalem signifies His unwavering commitment to the cross, not as a victim of circumstances, but as the willing Lamb of God. This passage underscores the divine necessity of the atonement, demonstrating that Jesus' suffering was not an unforeseen tragedy but the very purpose for which He came. It also highlights the nature of true discipleship, which involves understanding and embracing the path of suffering that precedes glory, a lesson the disciples would only fully grasp after the resurrection. This intimate disclosure prepares them, however imperfectly, for the most pivotal events in human history.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Resolves to Go to Jerusalem")
* [Mark 10:32-34](/mark/10-32-34 "Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus' Third Prediction of His Death and Resurrection")
* [John 12:27-28](/john/12-27-28 "John 12:27-28 - Jesus Prays Before His Hour")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Jesus' unwavering commitment to His divine mission, even when it led to immense suffering and death, serves as a powerful example of obedience and trust in God's sovereign plan. For us, this means recognizing that God's path for our lives may not always be easy or comfortable, but it is always purposeful. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for difficult truths, we too must cultivate a willingness to face challenging realities, whether in our personal lives, our faith journeys, or the broader world, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of hardship. Furthermore, Jesus' intentional, private instruction to His disciples highlights the vital importance of deep, personal discipleship and mentorship within the Christian community. We are called not only to learn from God's Word but also to invest in others, guiding them through difficult truths and preparing them for the spiritual battles and triumphs that lie ahead. Ultimately, this verse calls us to trust in God's redemptive plan, even when it involves suffering, knowing that the path of the cross ultimately leads to resurrection and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' deliberate journey to Jerusalem challenge my own tendency to avoid difficult or uncomfortable paths in life?**
* **In what ways am I being called to trust God's plan, even when the immediate future seems uncertain or painful?**
* **How can I more intentionally engage in deep, private discipleship, both as a learner and a mentor, within my own faith community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus take the disciples "apart" for this conversation?**

Answer: Jesus took the twelve disciples "apart" (Greek: `kat' idian`) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscored the **confidential and weighty nature** of the message He was about to deliver. His passion and resurrection were the central events of salvation history, and this intimate setting ensured that His closest followers, who would become the primary witnesses, received this vital revelation without public interruption or misunderstanding. Secondly, it allowed for **focused instruction and preparation**. The disciples, still largely clinging to expectations of an earthly kingdom, struggled to comprehend Jesus' suffering. A private setting allowed Jesus to address their misconceptions directly and repeatedly, preparing them for the shock of His crucifixion and the subsequent triumph of His resurrection. Finally, it demonstrated Jesus' **intentional investment** in His inner circle, highlighting the unique role they would play in the unfolding of God's plan after His ascension. This private moment was a critical step in their spiritual formation as apostles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:17, depicting Jesus' resolute journey to Jerusalem, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the very heart of His mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His deliberate ascent to the city was not merely a geographical movement but a purposeful march towards the cross, the ultimate act of atonement for humanity's sin. This journey culminates in His suffering and death, which were not accidental but divinely ordained (cf. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")), fulfilling the role of the Suffering Servant. Yet, it does not end in death; Jesus' prediction of His resurrection ([Matthew 20:19](/matthew/20-19 "Matthew 20:19 - Jesus' Third Passion Prediction")) points to His triumph over sin and death, establishing the New Covenant through His shed blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). His resurrection validates His claims, defeats the power of the grave, and offers eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). Thus, Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, initiated in this verse, is the very path of salvation, demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His sacrificial love, culminating in His glorious resurrection and ascension, through which He reigns as Lord and Savior ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 10:32

¶ And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

Mark 10:34

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Genesis 18:17

And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

John 12:12

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

Luke 18:31

¶ Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

Luke 18:34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.