Matthew's insights

The book of Matthew writes heavily on the completion of prophecy through Jesus' works. It also includes heavy use of Jesus prophesying of his own future.

Among these prophecies are some important ones concerning his own death:

MAT 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

MAT 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

MAT 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

MAT 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

MAT 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

He wanted his disciples to understand the importance of his sacrifice, and the necessity of it, and that he would be resurrected after effecting the Atonement.