Jesus’ Warnings Before His Crucifixion by Pst Bamidele Omotosho

Jesus’ warnings before his crucifixion were designed to prepare his disciples for his impending death, the subsequent scattering of their group, and the persecution they would face in his name. These messages emphasized his voluntary sacrifice, the necessity of watching and praying to avoid temptation, and the promise of his resurrection. 

Key Warnings and Teachings

• Betrayal and Death: Jesus explicitly told his disciples that he would be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, and crucified. He informed them this would happen during the Passover.
• The Shepherd and Sheep: He warned that all his disciples would “fall away” or be offended because of him that night, quoting the prophecy: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered”.
• The Cost of Following: Jesus taught that to be his disciple, one must “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me,” emphasizing that those who try to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for him will find them.
• Watch and Pray: In Gethsemane, he warned the disciples to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation,” noting that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”.
• Future Persecution: Jesus warned that the world would hate his followers because it hated him first, and that they should expect persecution. 

Purpose of the Warnings

• Preparation: The goal was to ensure that when these events occurred, the disciples would remember he had told them and not lose their faith.
• Affirming Sovereignty: By predicting the exact details of his betrayal (by Judas), denial (by Peter), and death, Jesus demonstrated his control over the events, showing he was not a helpless victim but a sovereign Lord.
• Instruction on Service: He used his impending death to teach that true greatness is found in service, stating that the “Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. 

Context of the Warnings
These warnings were delivered during the final days of his life, specifically on the way to Jerusalem, during the Last Supper, and in the Garden of Gethsemane.