Commentary on Matthew 17:23

Text of the Verse: "And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry."

Introduction

This verse is part of a larger narrative concerning the foretelling of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here, He speaks directly to His disciples, teaching them not only about His impending suffering but also about the hope found in His resurrection. This commentary draws on the insights of renowned public domain commentaries, focusing on the significance of this prophecy.

Exegesis of the Verse

To fully grasp the weight of Matthew 17:23, we must consider several key elements:

• Foretelling of Death: Jesus explicitly states that "they shall kill him." This serves as a prophetic declaration of His fate, highlighting the reality of suffering that accompanies His mission (Matthew Henry).
• The Resurrection: The phrase "the third day he shall be raised again" underscores the central tenet of Christian faith — the resurrection. It represents victory over death and assures believers of eternal life (Albert Barnes).
• Disciples’ Reaction: Their response, being "exceeding sorry," illustrates their struggle to comprehend the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and the concept of an impending resurrection (Adam Clarke).

The Theological Implications

1. Prophetic Fulfillment:

This proclamation by Jesus is not merely an isolated statement but aligns with the Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering servant (Isaiah 53). It emphasizes the continuity of God’s salvific plan throughout history.

2. The Nature of Christ’s Mission:

Jesus' suffering is presented as an integral part of His mission for the redemption of mankind. His willingness to face death reflects deepest obedience to God's will, showcasing the gravity of His sacrifice (Matthew Henry).

3. Emphasis on Resurrection:

The inclusion of the resurrection signifies hope; not only for Jesus but for all believers. It affirms the Christian doctrine of resurrection and points towards the transformative power of God over death (Albert Barnes).

Pastoral Applications

This passage offers several points of application to pastors and church leaders:

• Comfort in Suffering: Just as Christ faced suffering, so too will His followers. Pastors may draw comfort from His example, encouraging their congregations to remain steadfast in faith amidst trials.
• Teaching on Resurrection: This passage can serve as a foundation for preaching about the hope and assurance of resurrection. Pastors can remind believers that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life.
• Understanding Grief: The disciples’ sorrow reflects a natural human response to loss. Pastoral care can focus on acknowledging grief while pointing towards the hope of resurrection.

Conclusion

Matthew 17:23 encapsulates a profound moment in the life of Jesus, intertwining themes of suffering, death, and resurrection. The physical and emotional reality of Jesus’ prophecy resonates with the human experience, inviting introspection and faith in God’s redemptive plan. Pastors, students, and theologians can mine this verse for rich insights, applying its teachings to the life of the church and the believer’s journey of faith.