How many times did Jesus predict His death?

Answer

Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice that settled the debt of sin for all «so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.», (Hebrews 9:28). His death was the primary purpose of His ministry. In fact, Jesus foretold His death on at least three occasions in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), with even more predictions in the book of John.

The first prediction of His death is recorded in Matthew 16:21–23, Mark 8:31–32, and Luke 9:21–22. After feeding the multitudes, Jesus stated that the “Son of Man must endure many things” «And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. », (Mark 8:31); be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes; be killed; and rise again after three days. Peter then impulsively rebuked Jesus, to which Christ responded, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:33;Mark 8:33). Jesus understood that His death was inevitable. It was a crucial part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world.

Jesus predicted His death a second time in Matthew 17:22–23, Mark 9:30–32, and Luke 9:43–45. This took place shortly after the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John witnessed Christ in His divine glory. This might explain why the disciples were perplexed when Jesus informed them about His impending death. They believed His kingdom was about to be established. Despite their confusion, they were “afraid to ask” for clarification (Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45).

Matthew 20:17–19, Mark 10:32–34, and Luke 18:31–34 depict the third occasion when Jesus predicted His death. He addressed His disciples while they were journeying towards Jerusalem for Passover, foretelling how He would be ridiculed, scourged, crucified, and then resurrected. On this particular instance, the disciples failed to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words as it was veiled from them. They would soon comprehend His words through the events of Good Friday and the days that followed.

The Gospel of John contains a few more prophecies of Jesus’s death, albeit more subtly. For example, when Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, and Judas questioned the act suggesting the proceeds could have been used for the poor, Jesus replied, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (John 12:7-8). Although not as explicit as the previous predictions, this statement by Jesus clearly alluded to His impending death and burial. Furthermore, in John 13:33, Jesus hinted at the brevity of His time on earth when He informed the disciples, “Where I am going you cannot come.” Lastly, in John 14:25, Jesus spoke about bestowing the Holy Spirit in His absence, indirectly referencing His death and the future of the church.

Jesus deliberately came to earth to sacrifice Himself for our sins. He forewarned His disciples about His death and the ensuing events “so that when it does take place you may believe” «And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. », (John 14:29).