(32) And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid: and he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, (33) Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles (34) And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him and the third day he shall rise again.
I beg the Reader not to overlook the affection of JESUS in thus gradually preparing the disciples for his death. See Chap. Mark 8:31, and Chap. Mark 9:31, etc. It is a blessed trait of character of Jesus in confirmation of the leading feature of his office work as Mediator, the voluntary nature of it, that he longed for the accomplishment of the whole in his death. Hence we find him, Luke 19:28, going before ascending up to Jerusalem. I have a baptism (said Jesus) to be baptized with; and how am I straitened until it be accomplished. Luke 12:50. So to Judas. What thou doest, do quickly. John 18:37. And when Judas and the band came to apprehend him: JESUS went forth and said unto them, whom seek ye? I am he. John 18:4-5. Blessedly is it said of him, that he was led as a lamb to the slaughter; so free; so willing. Isaiah 53:7.