Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 17:23

"and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were exceeding sorry." — Matthew 17:23 (ASV)

No sooner are all the disciples and Jesus together after the Transfiguration than Jesus for a second time takes up the theme he introduced to them earlier . Jesus not only foresees the inevitability of his death but, precisely because he knows this to be the Father’s will (26:39), recognizes it as an essential part of the divine plan. But that death issues in the Resurrection. On the word “betrayed” (GK 4140), see comment on Mk 9:31. The disciples are beginning to absorb the announcement of Jesus’ death, and it grieves them. But of his resurrection they have no comprehension.