Matthew 17:22-24 - And on the third day

17:22,23

This is the second time that Matthew records Jesus as telling them about his death and resurrection. Jesus uses the term “Son of Man” to refer to Himself, especially when talking about who He really is and what He is going to do.This term is somewhat enigmatic, but there are two primary Old Testament references. One is the Son of Man of Daniel 7:13,14, where the son of man goes into the presence of God and is given authority, glory and power, and everlasting dominion. In Matt 28:18 Jesus declares that He has been given all power and authority. The second aspect of “son of man” is simply human being, This was applied to Ezekiel times. So the terms refers to the Messiah and to someone who is fully human.

The disciples showed their usual level of understanding, simply being filled with grief. Why does Matthew give these “predictions”? Partly it is to demonstrate that the cross was not an accident, definitely not a tragedy. It was all part of the plan. I out predictions in quotation marks there. Your Bible may well have a sub-heading saying something like “Jesus predicts His death”. Jesus did not predict His death, rather He foretold His death, and resurrection as well for that matter. His death and resurrection were ultimately the work of God, God’s decreed purpose, what God set out to do.

17:24

We now come to a somewhat more mundane incident, though important nevertheless and involving a miracle. Miracles can happen in dramatic utterly crucial events, the cross being the prime example. They can also happen in mundane events, such as here. Males over the age of twenty were required to pay the temple tax, which was two drachmas a year, or half a shekel. The temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked whether or not Jesus paid the temple tax, probably looking for a way to catch Him out.