They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem. Jesus was going ahead of them, and those who were following Him were amazed and afraid. Jesus, taking the twelve aside again, began to tell them what events were going to happen to Him.
This verse is filled with solemn seriousness. Jesus goes ahead of them, not compelled, but with voluntary determination. He knows that in Jerusalem betrayal, suffering, and death are waiting for Him, yet He does not delay the journey. The disciples are amazed at His resolve, and the others are afraid, because they sense the approaching danger. The Lord sets the twelve apart and again reveals the path of His sufferings. This shows that the cross is not an accidental tragedy, but conscious obedience to the Father’s will.