The prediction of Jesus' death is a significant theme in the New Testament, highlighting the foreknowledge and divine purpose of Christ's sacrificial mission. Jesus, aware of His impending suffering and crucifixion, foretold these events to His disciples on multiple occasions. These predictions underscore the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the centrality of the cross in God's redemptive plan.

Synoptic Gospels

In the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—Jesus explicitly predicts His death and resurrection three times. Each prediction is followed by teachings on discipleship and the cost of following Him.

1. First Prediction:
· Matthew 16:21: "From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
· Mark 8:31: "Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again."
· Luke 9:22: "The Son of Man must suffer many things, He said, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

2. Second Prediction:
· Matthew 17:22-23: "When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life.' And the disciples were deeply grieved."
· Mark 9:31: "For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after He is killed, He will rise on the third day.'"
· Luke 9:44: "Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men."

3. Third Prediction:
· Matthew 20:18-19: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day He will be raised to life."
· Mark 10:33-34: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him to the Gentiles, who will mock Him and spit on Him and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise again."
· Luke 18:31-33: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again."

The Gospel of John

In the Gospel of John, Jesus also alludes to His death, often using metaphorical language. He speaks of being "lifted up" as a reference to His crucifixion.

· John 3:14-15: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life."
· John 12:32-33: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.

Theological Significance

The predictions of Jesus' death are not merely foretellings of future events but are deeply rooted in the divine plan for salvation. They reveal Jesus' obedience to the Father's will and His role as the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. The predictions also prepare the disciples for the reality of the cross, challenging their understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom.

The repeated emphasis on Jesus' resurrection alongside His death highlights the victory over sin and death, offering hope and assurance of eternal life to believers. These predictions serve as a testament to Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's redemptive promises throughout Scripture.