1 Startling Mysterious Phrase; Know How to? tells about the phrase that Jesus used repeatedly during his earthly ministry.
Did you know that Jesus prophesized his death and resurrection before it happened? You maybe asking, “How could he know?” and why would he do it?”
Surprisingly, it was so that his followers and others would believe.
But believe what! They would believe who he said he is. And what he said his mission was about.
Table of Contents
1 Startling Mysterious Phrase; Know How to: The Phrase
Most assuredly, Jesus used the phrase that he would be killed and rise from the dead on the third day repeatedly. He began using the phrase after he started his public ministry. Indeed he was preparing his disciples and potential followers for his imminent death and resurrection. His goal was to communicate the necessity of the crucifixion. And the significance of the resurrection.
Listen to his words. Jesus “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem… and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matt. 16:21). He had this knowledge concerning his death and resurrection from his heavenly Father. The fulfillment of these events would serve to convince his disciples of the veracity of his words.
Of course, they did not understand this statement. For since he was the expected messiah, it was inconceivable that he should die. The prophets foretold that Messiah would live forever. The crowds spoke up, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever… (Jn. 12:34). However, they did not understand that first, Jesus had to die to redeem humanity. And second, he had to be raised to life forever.
The metaphors
Throughout his ministry, Jesus kept using these words. When you read the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you discover he repeatedly prophesized his death and resurrection. He used certain metaphors as a sign to illustrate the truth of the phrase.
The first metaphor he used was when his opponents wanted him to do miracles to show them a sign. In response he said, “destroy this temple, and in three day as I will raise it up” (Jn. 2:19). But he was using this statement to refer to his death and resurrection.
After his resurrection, his disciples remembered his saying. Therefore they believed the Scriptures and his words (Jn. 2:18-22). He was pointing to his resurrection as a sign that he was the long awaited messiah. 9 INCREDULOUS FASCINATING MYSTERIES; KNOW HOW TO
Another metaphor he used was related to the prophet Jonah. Listen to his words, “For just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, so the son of man will be in the belly of the earth and be raised again (Matt. 12:39-40). Again he was referring to his death and resurrection as a sign that would fulfill his earthly purpose and mission. billygraham.org
Connection to the Mission
Certainly, Jesus’ phrase was connected to his earthly mission. During his ministry he focused on the necessity of the crucifixion. He came to save the human race from sin, death and the enemy. As a result, he used the phrase repeatedly about his death and resurrection. He had to give his life as a substitute for humanity. This was the only way to freedom.
He trained his twelve disciples to continue the mission. He gave them the great commission. That is, to carry the message all over the world. In so doing , they should make other disciples along the way. This was and continues to be – the greatest and most important mission for humans.
Also, his prophecies were public knowledge. As he journeyed through the towns and villages proclaiming the phrase, the religious leaders took note. Hear what they said to Pilate, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body…”(Matt. 27:62-64). Of a fact, Jesus’ claims are trustworthy.
Will You Believe!
Jesus made the predictions about his death and resurrection so that when they did in fact happen people would believe. His disciples who would spread the message would believe. And as witnesses, have the ability to convince others to believe.
Now that you have seen the evidence, what will you do? Will you believe? The only requirement is to believe. Surely there is no disadvantage to believing. Only wonderful benefits and blessings await believers. Listen “all things are possible to those who believe” (Mk. 9:23). Ands eternal life will be yours – God’s own nature and life.
Conclusion
Indeed, Jesus predicted his death and resurrection during his ministry. He used the phrase, “I will be killed and be raised again on the third day.” He used metaphors of the prophet Jonah and his body as a temple to function as a sign to his resurrection and Messiahship. His prediction was made to activate faith in his disciples and others. As a result, they would be blessed with eternal life.
