And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
All Commentaries on Matthew 20:19 Go To Matthew 20
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Hom., lxv: The Lord leaving Galilee, did not go up straightway to Jerusalem, but first wrought miracles, refuted the Pharisees, and taught the disciples concerning perfection of life, and its reward; now when about to go up to Jerusalem, He again speaks to them of His passion.
For the salvation of men entirely rests upon Christ’s death; nor is there anything for which we are more bound to render thanks to God, than for His death. He imparted the mystery of His death to His disciples for this reason, namely, because the more precious treasure is ever committed to the more worthy vessels. Had the rest heard of the passion of Christ, the men might have been troubled because of the weakness of their faith, and the women because of the tenderness of their nature, which such matters do commonly move to tears.
He had indeed told it, and to many, but obscurely, as in that, “Destroy this temple;” But now He imparted it clearly to His disciples.
For when sorrow comes at a time we are looking for it, it is found lighter thanit would have been, had it taken us by surprise.
He forewarns them also in order that they should learn that He comes to His passion wittingly, and willingly. And at the first He had foretold only His death, but now that they are more disciplined, He brings forth yet more, as, "They shall deliver him to the Gentiles.”.
This was added, that when they should see the sufferings, they should look forthe resurrection.
