ACC ~ Matthew 20 v17 - 19

OVERVIEW:

Though a great crowd followed him on the road, he took only the twelve disciples apart in private and to them alone announced the mystery of his death. His motive in telling them about his future death is that when that day of suffering will have arrived, it might disturb them less, having been forewarned that these things were about to happen (INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW).

20:17 | Taking the Disciples Aside

SPEAKING TO ONLY THE FEW

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: Therefore, though a great crowd of the faithful followed him on the road, he took only the twelve disciples apart in private and to them alone announced the mystery of his death, because the more precious treasure is always stored in the better vases. There were many men with him, but they were weak on account of the smallness of their faith. There were many women, who, though strong in their faith, were yet less strong physically according to their feminine nature. If they had heard that Christ was going up to Jerusalem so as to be put to death, the men perhaps would be distressed because of the weakness of their faith and the women because of the predilection of their nature. For by nature the mind of woman is gentle and in such a business is quickly reduced to tears. Recall that when Peter himself heard about the death of Christ he was moved by grief and did not fear to rebuke the Lord himself, saying, “God forbid, Lord, this shall never happen to you!” [1] If then Peter was so moved at Christ’s death, who else had faith that could sustain the grief of such an evil? If the immovable rock was almost moved, how could the earth bear the onslaught of the storm? HOMILY 35. [2]

[1] Mt 16:22.

[2] PG 56:823.

20:18 | The Son of Man Will Be Condemned to Death

GOING UP TO JERUSALEM

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem.” Behold—it is the language of one calling to witness so that they may hide the memory of this foreknowledge in their hearts. It is even more dramatic than if he should say, “Behold, now indeed a third time I predict to you the mystery of my future suffering.” Having been repeated more often, it was intended to occupy their thoughts more deeply. HOMILY 35. [1]

[1] PG 56:823.

CONDEMNED TO DEATH

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: All the glory of God and all the salvation of humanity have been placed in Christ’s death. For there is no thing which pertains more to humanity’s salvation than Christ’s death. Nor is there anything else for which we should thank God more than for his death. HOMILY 35. [1]

[1] PG 56:822-23.

20:19 | Sufferings Enumerated

WHY DID JESUS PREDICT HIS SUFFERING?

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: And why does he predict to them the mystery of his suffering? Because every adversity that arises suddenly for people seems beyond hope and is very serious. But when we prepare ourselves against it, when it overtakes us expecting it, it is found to be lighter than it would have been if it had come unexpectedly. Therefore Jesus announces to them his future death so that when that day of suffering arrives, it might not disturb them, since they were aware that these things were about to happen. Recall that the apostles, who had been so often forewarned about his future death, nevertheless, when he was arrested, were all scandalized and left him. How much more would they have been scandalized if they had not been forewarned? HOMILY 35. [1]

[1] PG 56:823.