Definition: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important passage from Matthew 20:18. It's a really significant verse that speaks about the future events surrounding Jesus Christ. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: What it Means: This verse is saying that soon after Jesus’s resurrection (around 33-37 AD), things are going to happen that will lead to his persecution and ultimately, his crucifixion. Let's unpack the key parts: “Behold…” : This is a way of introducing a serious warning or prophecy. “…we go up to Jerusalem…” : Jesus is telling us that he’s planning to travel to Jerusalem – which was a major religious center – for a specific purpose. “…and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes…” : This is the core of the verse. “The Son of man” refers to Jesus Christ, and “betrayed” means he will be tricked or deceived. It’s saying that someone – likely a political leader or influential figure – will deceive Jesus and make him a target for punishment. “…and they shall condemn him to death…” : This is the consequence of the betrayal. The people who are involved in his persecution (the priests and scribes) are going to view him as guilty and ultimately decide to kill him. What it’s saying about the future: The verse isn't predicting exactly what will happen, but it warns us that: Jesus is vulnerable: He's being intentionally targeted by those in power who want to stop his work or prevent him from fulfilling God's plan. It’s a significant event: This prophecy suggests a period of intense conflict and opposition surrounding Jesus, leading to his suffering and death. Important Context (Briefly): The Gospels describe this as part of a series of events that lead up to Jesus's arrest and crucifixion. It’s often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the events that will occur after his resurrection. In short, it's telling us that Jesus is facing a serious challenge in the future, and those who oppose him are going to actively work against him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like the coming of Christ)? Discuss what the verse might mean in terms of our own lives and beliefs?