As they were going up the road to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. Again Jesus took the Twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him:
And James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, came unto him,.... Along with their mother, who was their mouth, and spoke for them, and they by her: saying, master, we would that thou shouldst do for us whatsoever we shall desire: that is, we earnestly desire, that whereas we have a favour to ask of thee, that thou wouldst not deny us it, be it...
Verses 32-34. See Verse 32. Jesus went before them. In the manner of an intrepid, fearless leader and guide, exposing himself to danger and death rather than his followers. And they were amazed, etc. They were afraid that evil would befall him in the city; that the scribes and Pharisees, who had so often sought to kill him, would then do it.
This is at least the third time that Christ had acquainted his disciples with his approaching sufferings. The first time he told his disciples of his death in general; the second time he declares the means, by treason; now he tells them the manner, by crucifying him: all this he did to prevent their dejection at his sufferings.