Matthew 16:21

Matthew 16:21. From that time began Jesus. The confession prepared them for the revelation. We infer that He spoke often and familiarly on this topic, to prepare them for their own trials, and to impress upon them the truth they deemed so strange. (Comp. chap. Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 20:17-19, and the parallel passages in Mark and Luke).

He must go. The necessity of His sufferings was revealed: not in all its bearings, since after His resurrection He must still ask: ‘Ought not Christ to have suffered,' etc. (Luke 24:26.)

Unto Jerusalem, Peculiar to Matthew; in keeping with the character of his Gospel.

Suffer many things. His sufferings included more than the outward persecutions.

Of the elders, etc. These classes represented the whole Jewish nation. Christ did not reject the covenant people; they rejected Him.

And be killed. A startling announcement to the disciples, and yet Daniel (Daniel 9:26) and Isaiah (Isaiah 53:4-10) had foretold it ‘The cross' is the necessary climax of His sufferings.

The third day be raised up. ‘According to the Scriptures.' (1 Corinthians 15:4.) Despite this plain announcement, they were full of doubt and despondency after His death.