10:32–34 This third prediction of Jesus’ death forms the climactic prediction in the series. Every item in the passage serves this purpose. The geographical note, on their way up to Jerusalem (v. 32), indicates that Jesus’ ministry is taking him to the city of his destiny. The description of the disciples’ attitude, astonished … afraid (v. 32), heightens the tension. In the actual prediction itself, there is the most specific description yet given of the events of Jesus’ arrest and execution. For the first time there is the mention of gentile involvement (v. 33), and there follows a list of indignities that (v. 34) make a crescendo of cruelty.

With this prediction of Jesus’ execution, we are nearing the end of this large teaching section (8:27–10:52) and the beginning of the final events …