20:17 {2} And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
(2) Christ goes to the cross necessarily, and yet willingly.
20:17 Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart. For six months, ever since the confession at Caesarea Philippi, the Lord had been trying to prepare the twelve for his death. Compare Mr 10:32-52 Lu 18:31-43. He was now east of the Jordan, on his way.
20:17 Mark 10:32; Luke 18:31.
20:17-19 Christ is more particular here in foretelling his sufferings than before. And here, as before, he adds the mention of his resurrection and his glory, to that of his death and sufferings, to encourage his disciples, and comfort them. A believing view of our once crucified and now glorified Redeemer, is good to humble a proud, self-justifying disposition. When we consider the need of the humiliation and sufferings of the Son of God, in order to the salvation of perishing sinners, surely we must be aware of the freeness and richness of Divine grace in our salvation.
