Christ’s death and resurrection is the second most important event in the history of the world ( the first being his atonement for us). It is for this reason we study it. Our main resources are the gospels. Matthew is the first gospel in the New Testament and provides some important insights about Christ’s death. Matthew gives three prophesies or forewarnings of Christ’s death in his gospel before actually writing that particular story. The first is in Matthew 16:21. This is when Christ begins to tell the disciples that he must die. In this verse he also mentions the resurrection and the scribes and priests and elders. The second is in Matthew 17:22-23. Here, Jesus once again tells the disciples that he must die. He also says that he will be betrayed and rise again the third day. The third is in Matthew 20:18-19. Here, Christ is very specific about what will happen. He will be betrayed and delievered to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death, at which point he will be delievered to the Gentiles, who will mock him, scourge him, and crucify him. He also speaks of the resurrection. From these three prophesies, if you will, we learn a few important things. First: the most important part of Christ’s death was his resurrection. It’s the only thing that is in all three. Second: he will be betrayed to the chief priests, elders, and scribes. Third: he will be killed by Gentiles, not Jews. These are all very important points. The last is probably the least well known. But, what I get from Matthew is that Christ lived, died and lived again, and I know that with all my heart.

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