Matthew 20:22

“But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.”

Context:To better understand this verse, let’s examine the context. In Matthew 20:20-28, the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approaches Jesus with a request. She asks that her sons be given positions of authority and prominence in His kingdom. Jesus then responds to her and her sons in verse 22.

Jesus’ question:In His response, Jesus asks James and John if they are able to drink from the cup He will drink from and be baptized with the baptism He will undergo. The “cup” and “baptism” mentioned here represent the suffering and sacrifice Jesus would soon experience through His crucifixion and death. Jesus is essentially asking if they are willing to share in His suffering.

Misunderstanding:James and John quickly reply, saying that they are able to drink from the cup and be baptized with the baptism that Jesus will undergo. However, they seem to misunderstand the true nature of Jesus’ question. They may have been eager for positions of honor and authority but did not fully grasp the magnitude of the sacrifice involved.

Jesus’ response:After their response, Jesus acknowledges their willingness but clarifies that the authority to sit on His right and left hand is not His to grant. Instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by His Father. Jesus then uses this opportunity to teach His disciples about the true nature of leadership and greatness in His kingdom.

Lessons for us:This passage offers several lessons for us today:

• Sacrifice and suffering:Jesus’ question reminds us that following Him may involve sacrifice and suffering. As His disciples, we should be willing to share in His sufferings and be prepared to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel.
• True greatness:Jesus contrasts the world’s understanding of greatness, which is often defined by power and authority, with His own definition. He teaches that true greatness is found in humility and in serving others.
• Seeking God’s will:James and John were focused on personal ambition, seeking positions of honor. Jesus redirects their attention to God’s sovereignty, emphasizing that positions of authority are determined by the Father’s will, not by personal ambition.