A. General Heading (16:21)

Mt 16:21 contains two major elements: (1) the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem, where he will suffer, die, and be raised; and (2) Jesus' explaining to his disciples the necessity for such a journey. The third major division thus has a two-pronged emphasis. Here Matthew describes the nature of Jesus' calling as Messiah: It is the will of God that the Messiah suffer, die, and be raised. But Matthew also draws out the implications of Jesus' passion for the disciples.