Chapter
Verse

Matthew 16:21

ESV From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
NIV From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
NASB From that time Jesus began to point out to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised up on the third day.
CSB From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.
NLT From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.
KJV From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

What does Matthew 16:21 mean?

With this verse, a shift begins in Jesus' life and ministry, a change that will baffle His followers. To this point, Jesus has kept mainly to the region of Galilee in northern Israel, in addition to travelling to some Gentile regions around Galilee. He has avoided spending much time in Jerusalem, the religious and political heart of Israel. In fact, when He did come into conflict with Jewish religious leaders, He often left the area to keep things from escalating (Matthew 15:21).

Now, though, Jesus begins to show the disciples that time has ended. Instead, shockingly, Jesus begins to tell them that He must go to Jerusalem. He says to them clearly that He will suffer at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes. In fact, He will be killed and then raised on the third day.

We know from the rest of the story that Jesus' mission was to die as a perfect, sinless sacrifice for the sins of humanity (John 12:32–34). This verse reveals that Jesus knew it also. He understood what must happen to Him for salvation to come, and He would not resist it (John 12:23–28). In their limited knowledge, Peter and the other disciples would resist that idea.
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