Jesus Predicts His Death A Third Time

Spring, c. 33 AD

Jesus Predicts His Death A Third Time

As the first day of the new year dawns and the Passover approaches, the reality of the coming week is settling heavily upon Jesus. Taking the twelve disciples aside privately on the road, He has delivered His third and most detailed prediction regarding His impending death. The time for parables regarding His fate is over; He is speaking with terrifying clarity.

He informed them that the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests, condemned to death, and then handed over to the Gentiles. For the first time, He explicitly mentioned that He will be mocked, flogged, and crucified, yet He finished with the promise that on the third day He will be raised up. The disciples remain stunned by this grim itinerary.

"And as Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem...'"
— Matthew 20:17-18 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This final, explicit prediction occurred just prior to the request of James and John and the arrival in Jericho.

Restoration Era, c. 444 BC

Nehemiah Petitions The Persian King

In the month of Nisan, Nehemiah the cupbearer stood before King Artaxerxes with a sad face. When questioned by the King, Nehemiah boldly prayed to the God of heaven and asked for permission to return to Judah to rebuild the ruined city of his fathers. This daring request sets the stage for the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

"Now it happened in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes... that the king said to me, 'Why is your face sad though you are not sick?'"
— Nehemiah 2:1-2 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Nehemiah 2 explicitly dates this pivotal conversation to the month of Nisan.

Divided Kingdom Era, c. 715 BC

Hezekiah Opens The Doors Of The Temple

A massive spiritual revival has commenced in Jerusalem! In the first year of his reign, in the first month, King Hezekiah has done what his wicked father refused to do: he has thrown open the doors of the house of Yahweh and repaired them. He has summoned the priests to consecrate themselves and carry the filth out of the holy place.

"In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of Yahweh and repaired them."
— 2 Chronicles 29:3 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The text specifically dates the opening of the doors to the very beginning of the first month (Nisan).

Editorial: Stepping Into The New Year

The 1st of Nisan is the biblical New Year, a day marked by bold action. Hezekiah boldly opened the doors of the Temple that had been shut; Nehemiah boldly asked a pagan king for permission to rebuild a ruined city; and Jesus boldly predicted His own crucifixion as He marched toward Jerusalem.

New beginnings often require us to face hard realities. We cannot experience the revival of Hezekiah or the restoration of Nehemiah without first facing the brokenness of our condition. Jesus knew that the ultimate "new beginning" for humanity required Him to face the horror of the cross. As we step into this month of redemption, we are called to walk with that same unflinching courage.

Join the conversation at the Christian Discussions Skool community.

COMMENT & DISCUSS