ACC ~ Matthew 20 v19

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.