Reading the Gospels Together Passion Predictions – Part 3 So, we have discovered that all four gospel writers want their readers to know that Jesus predicted his death and resurrection prior to their occurrence. This is an important point of contact. It has sometimes been debated whether Jesus actually did predict his coming death and resurrection. There have been some who have speculated that the words of Jesus about his death and resurrection have simply been written back into the story by his followers. As one reads the gospels together there is very little evidence that would lead to such a conclusion and every reason why we should come to the opposite conclusion – that Jesus actually did perceive his impending death and believe that his death would be followed by his resurrection! Such a belief on the part of Jesus would not be unusual in the world of that time. Most Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead. That Jesus should believe in his own coming resurrection was not a novel idea! But what is earthshattering is that the resurrection of Jesus should have happened so soon after his death and before anyone else of those who wait for the resurrection. It is very likely that Jesus knew very well that his actions would lead to his death. Whether or not Jesus also knew that his resurrection would be immediate might be debated but that Jesus expected he would be raised should not be – most people expected that. For the record, we must say that all four gospel writers want their readers to know that Jesus did anticipate his immediate resurrection although it is likely they also want their readers to know that the followers of Jesus did not understand or believe Jesus about that while he was still alive and telling them what must happen. What the followers of Jesus needed to struggle to understand was that Jesus was raised from the dead almost immediately following his death. That was something they never expected – the last thing they expected – because it had never happened before! Another thing they need to struggle to understand is that the Messiah must die. Messiahs do not die and if a so-called Messiah died that was proof that he was not a Messiah! The last thing the disciples of Jesus or anyone else expected what that he would die. The gospel writers make a bold claim for the truth of both. Jesus is the Crucified Messiah who died and Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day in anticipation of the coming resurrection at the end of time. And they want their readers to believe that Jesus knew and predicted both as well. We have spent a good deal of time investigating the “passion predictions” of Jesus. There is much to be learned from reading the gospels together in this area. The important thing to keep in mind is that all four gospel writers speak the same message regarding this – they all want their readers to know that Jesus did predict his death and resurrection. The evidence leads us to conclude with them that Jesus actually did so. We are now ready to enter into the Passion Narrative itself.