Read & explore together
Jesus Predicts His Death on the Way to Jerusalem
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus speaks privately to the twelve about what will happen to him. These verses show that he names coming suffering, death and rising again before those events take place.
Understanding the passage
Understanding the passage
Matthew, Mark and Luke each present this as a distinct moment on the journey to Jerusalem. Jesus takes the twelve aside and tells them what lies ahead for the Son of Man. Luke also adds that the disciples did not understand what he meant at that time.
Matthew 20:17–19; Mark 10:32–34; Luke 18:31–34Main takeaway
Jesus clearly tells the twelve that in Jerusalem he will suffer, be killed and rise on the third day, even though they do not yet understand.
Explore the teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Going up to JerusalemAll three accounts begin with movement towards Jerusalem. Jesus takes the twelve aside and speaks to them on the way.
Explanation
All three accounts begin with movement towards Jerusalem. Jesus takes the twelve aside and speaks to them on the way. Mark adds the mood of the journey: Jesus goes in front, some are amazed and others are afraid. This makes the announcement feel deliberate and serious.
02The Son of Man will be handed overJesus says, “we are going up to Jerusalem”, then speaks about “the Son of Man”. He says the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death.
Explanation
Jesus says, “we are going up to Jerusalem”, then speaks about “the Son of Man”. He says the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Luke also says what is written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed.
03Mocked, harmed and killed by GentilesJesus continues with specific details. After being condemned, he will be handed over to the Gentiles.
Explanation
Jesus continues with specific details. After being condemned, he will be handed over to the Gentiles. The accounts list mocking and scourging, with Mark and Luke also mentioning spitting or shameful treatment. Matthew says crucify, while Mark and Luke say kill. Each account shows real suffering ahead.
04Raised on the third dayThe prediction does not end with death. Jesus says that on the third day he will be raised up or rise again.
Explanation
The prediction does not end with death. Jesus says that on the third day he will be raised up or rise again. Luke then records the disciples’ response: they understood none of this, and the saying was hidden from them. The words were clear, yet their meaning was not grasped.
Read the accounts alongside one another
Keep each reading’s setting and wording in view.
Scroll across to compare the readings.
| Book | Included readings | Explore in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Matthew 20:17–19 | Going up to Jerusalem The Son of Man will be handed over Mocked, harmed and killed by Gentiles Raised on the third day |
| Mark | Mark 10:32–34 | Going up to Jerusalem The Son of Man will be handed over Mocked, harmed and killed by Gentiles Raised on the third day |
| Luke | Luke 18:31–34 | Going up to Jerusalem The Son of Man will be handed over Mocked, harmed and killed by Gentiles Raised on the third day |
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What repeated journey words show where Jesus and the twelve are headed?
Look for the repeated phrase about going up to Jerusalem and notice that Jesus speaks while they are on the way.
02What does Jesus say different groups will do to the Son of Man?
Separate the actions of the chief priests and scribes from the actions of the Gentiles, following the order in the verses.
03How does Luke describe the disciples’ response to Jesus’ words?
Use Luke’s own wording about what they understood and what was hidden from them.
Read the Bible passages
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Matthew 20:17–19
17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
19and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Mark 10:32–34
32They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him.
33“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles.
34They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
Luke 18:31–34
31He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed.
32For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on.
33They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.”
34They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said.