Rejection and Suffering
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he explained what it meant to be the Messiah and Son of God, namely, rejection , suffering , and death . His prediction was contrary to popular expectations about the Messiah, including those of his closest disciples. He also summoned anyone who chose to follow him to take up his Cross and emulate his example, and failure to do so would render the would-be disciple an object of shame before the Lord of Glory.