What does Matthew 16:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 16:21 conveys a significant moment in the New Testament narrative where Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for the events that will lead to his crucifixion and resurrection.

In this verse, Jesus explicitly tells his disciples that he must travel to Jerusalem, where he will endure suffering at the hands of the city's religious leaders, namely, the elders, chief priests, and scribes.

These leaders were part of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, which wielded considerable religious and political power.

Jesus also foretells his death and the miraculous event of his resurrection on the third day.

This disclosure serves as a turning point, shifting the focus of Jesus' ministry towards his ultimate sacrifice and victory over death.

It also reveals Jesus’ awareness of his destiny and his role as the Messiah in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Historical Context

This event takes place in the context of first-century Judea, under Roman occupation.

The Jewish leaders mentioned, elders, chief priests, and scribes, comprise the Sanhedrin, who were responsible for maintaining religious order and interpreting Jewish law.

They often felt threatened by Jesus’ growing influence and teachings, which sometimes contradicted traditional interpretations of the Torah and challenged their authority.

During that time, the Jewish expectation of the Messiah diverged significantly from what Jesus presented.

Many Jews hoped for a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore it to greatness.

Therefore, Jesus’ prediction of his own suffering and death would have been an unexpected and bewildering notion to his disciples.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians have long studied this verse for its Christological significance.

The foretelling of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection is central to Christian belief as it pinpoints the purpose of the Messiah, to atone for humanity's sins through his death and to conquer death itself with his resurrection.

This event is viewed as a cornerstone of salvation and redemption in Christian theology.

From a theological perspective, various viewpoints exist.

Some emphasize the notion of the Suffering Servant from the book of Isaiah, seeing Jesus as fulfilling these prophetic texts.

Others focus on the victorious aspect, highlighting the power of the resurrection.

Liberation theology may interpret this as Jesus’ solidarity with the oppressed, while some feminist theologians may use this text to speak to the realities of suffering in a broken world.

Practical Applications

The teachings from Matthew 16:21 offer several practical applications.

For modern believers, this verse can be a reminder of the importance of embracing difficult truths, as the disciples had to when Jesus spoke of his impending suffering.

It can also serve as encouragement when facing trials, suggesting that there can be purpose in suffering and that resurrection, figuratively or literally, can follow.

Moreover, this verse can challenge individuals to consider how they may be resisting difficult teachings or callings because they do not align with expectations, much like how the disciples initially struggled with Jesus' prediction of his own fate.

Cross-References

• Mark 8:31: "And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again."
• Luke 9:22: "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."
• Acts 2:23: "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:"
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text of this verse, key words stand out:

• "παθεῖν" (pathein): Translated "to suffer," indicating a depth of experience that goes beyond physical pain to emotional and spiritual anguish.
• "πρεσβυτέρων" (presbyteron): Translated "elders," referring to the senior members of the Sanhedrin, synonymous with respect and authority.
• "ἀρχιερέων" (archiereon): Translated "chief priests," denoting the higher-ranking clergy in the Jewish religious hierarchy.
• "γραμματέων" (grammateon): Translated "scribes," experts in the Jewish Law who held significant scholarly and legal authority.

The understanding of these words in their original context adds depth to the kinds of opposition Jesus predicted he would face and highlights the intensity of the suffering he anticipated.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

When compared to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the Christian narrative of death and resurrection stands out for several reasons.

Other traditions have accounts of gods or heroes who die and return to life, like the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the Sumerian tale of Inanna.

However, these stories often symbolize natural cycles, such as agriculture or seasonal change.

In contrast, the Christian account is historical in nature, with claims of an actual event in time that is tied to a theological purpose, human redemption.

This clear delineation between mythic cycles and historical claims is fundamental to Christianity's self-understanding as rooted in actual events with divine purpose rather than seasonal allegories or symbolic myths.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally approaches scriptural texts such as Matthew 16:21 from a historical and anthropological perspective, rather than a theological one.

The accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection are not testable by scientific means and are thus typically regarded as matters of faith.

Moreover, science has its limitations when it pertains to metaphysical claims, miracles, or supernatural events, since such phenomena fall outside the scope of empirical observation and experiment that define the scientific method.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Matthew 16:21, offering differing insights:

• William Barclay notes that Jesus' use of the word "must" indicates divine necessity, implying that what was to occur in Jerusalem was a part of God's ordained plan.
• **Craig S.

Keener**, in his commentary, emphasizes the shock this revelation would have caused among the disciples, as they had messianic expectations that did not include the suffering and death of the Messiah.

• **R.T.

France** comments on the stark reality this verse presents, as Jesus confronts his disciples with the true cost of discipleship and the nature of his messianic mission.

• John Calvin reflects on this verse as illustrative of the necessity of Christ’s suffering, suggesting that through his death, the tyranny of death over humans is conquered.
• **N.T.

Wright** often speaks to the historical and theological implications of Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection, highlighting its central role in the unfolding narrative of God’s redemptive plan for the world.