The Preview: Matthew 20:17-19
“17) 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, “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, 19) and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.”” Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus and His disciples now approached the outskirts of Jerusalem. He intentionally pulls them aside and previews what is about to happen once more. He foretold of His sufferings, death, burial and resurrection over and over again. He meticulously reviewed the components of the gospel.
As you read the four gospels over and over again, it almost becomes redundant how many times he previewed the gospel with His disciples and yet they were unprepared. This was the focus of His work and mission. His life and work converged on Calvary.
The gospel is simple and yet profound. John 3:16-18 says; ““16) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17) For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18) He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
It amazes me how many times people can hear the gospel and still miss its simple message. Salvation comes down to personal faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It encompasses Who He is and what He accomplished on the cross. This simple personal act of belief is the beginning of a new life. It is the essence of being born again.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
