Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 20:17

"And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them," — Matthew 20:17 (ASV)

Before setting out for Jerusalem, doubtless to attend the festival, Jesus took the Twelve aside from the throngs of pilgrims choking the roads to Jerusalem at such times. Only the Twelve were even remotely ready to hear this passion prediction.