What does Matthew 20:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:19 is a statement made by Jesus to His disciples, describing the events that would lead up to His death and resurrection.

This verse forms part of a prophecy given by Jesus, which predicts the suffering He would endure at the hands of the leaders of the Jewish community and the Roman authorities.

Jesus describes a sequence of events, including His mocking, scourging (a form of physical punishment involving whipping), and crucifixion , a Roman method of execution.

He then declares a triumphant conclusion: on the third day after His death, He will rise again.

The verse emphasizes the deliberate and purposeful nature of Jesus's mission and the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption through His resurrection.

Historical Context

Matthew 20:19 was written within the broader context of the Gospel of Matthew, traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, a tax collector who became one of Jesus's disciples.

The Gospel was likely written between A.D. 70 and 110.

During this period, followers of Jesus were explaining His life and teachings to a primarily Jewish audience who were familiar with Old Testament prophecies.

The predictions Jesus makes here reflect the familiar motif of a suffering servant found in Jewish scripture, particularly in the book of Isaiah.

The historical situation further involved Roman occupation of Judea, which subjected the Jewish population to Roman rule and its methods of punishment, including crucifixion.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the core Christian doctrine of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It points to the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament and shows Jesus as fulfilling those.

In Christian theology, this passage is critical as it reinforces the belief in Jesus as the Messiah, who conquers death and offers salvation to humanity.

This verse is foundational to the belief in Jesus' atoning sacrifice and His victory over sin and death.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Matthew 20:19 can offer a source of hope and encouragement for believers. It can be a reminder that suffering and hardship may be part of life but are not the end; there is a promise of new life beyond suffering.

The verse also challenges believers to reflect on the aspects of sacrifice, service, and the nature of Jesus’s kingdom, which contrasts with worldly power and glory.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:3-5: Describes the suffering servant, a passage believed by Christians to be a prophecy of Christ’s passion.
• Matthew 16:21: Jesus predicts His death and resurrection to His disciples earlier in the Gospel.
• Mark 10:33-34: Mark’s account of Jesus predicting His suffering and resurrection.
• Luke 24:6-7: An angel reminds the disciples of Jesus' prophecy after His resurrection.
• John 19:1-3, 18: The fulfillment of the mocking and crucifixion as predicted.

Language Study

Key words in this verse from the original Greek include:

• "παραδώσουσιν" (paradōsousin) - "shall deliver": This word suggests being handed over or given up, with a sense of inevitability.
• "ἐμπαίξουσιν" (empaixousin) - "to mock": This involves treating with contempt or ridicule.
• "μαστιγώσουσιν" (mastigōsousin) - "to scourge": Refers to the act of severe whipping, a common Roman punishment.
• "σταυρώσουσιν" (staurōsousin) - "to crucify": Execution by being nailed or tied to a cross, a Roman method of capital punishment.
• "τρίτῃ" (tritēi) - "the third day": Indicates a specific timeframe, central to the prediction of Jesus’s resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a dying and rising deity or hero can be found in various ancient religions and myths, for example, the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology, the Sumerian goddess Inanna, or the Greek tale of Persephone.

However, the Christian claim differs significantly in its historical grounding and its claim of a singular, transformative event for all of humanity, rather than a cyclical or symbolic myth.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective doesn't necessarily provide insights into prophetic statements or miracles such as the resurrection since these fall outside the scope of empirical investigation.

The historical elements, such as the practices of crucifixion, can be evaluated for their consistency with known Roman practices of the time, and archaeological findings may provide supporting background information.

Commentaries

Various commentaries focus on different aspects of Matthew 20:19.

Some emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy, while others highlight the contrast between Jesus’ predicted suffering and the disciples’ expectation of earthly glory.

Commentators often note the predictive nature of Jesus’ statement and how it sets the stage for the events of the Passion.

Despite the evident tragedy and suffering predicted, many scholars see an overriding theme of victory and hope, given the predicted resurrection that follows the suffering and death Jesus describes.