The passage in Matthew 20:20-23 provides a profound lesson on discipleship, ambition, and the cost of following Christ. It recounts the moment when the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approaches Jesus with a request for her sons to be granted positions of honor in His kingdom. This episode highlights the common human tendency to seek greatness and recognition while also underscoring the stark contrast between worldly ambition and the true nature of the kingdom of God.
A Mother’s Petition and a Misguided Ambition
The text begins with the mother of the sons of Zebedee approaching Jesus, kneeling before Him in supplication. Her intercession on behalf of her sons is not, in itself, problematic; intercessory prayer is both biblical and commendable. However, the content of her request reveals a misunderstanding of Christ’s mission. She seeks for her sons the highest positions of prominence in the kingdom, an ambition rooted in worldly conceptions of power and status.
Jesus’ response is telling: “You do not know what you are asking.” This statement immediately exposes the ignorance behind the request. The mother assumes that the kingdom of God operates on principles similar to earthly kingdoms—where positions of honor are obtained through merit, connections, or ambition. However, the kingdom of God functions entirely different: it is governed by the grace of God, and marked by humility and sacrificial service.
The Call to Drink the Cup of Suffering
In response to this request, Jesus presents a sobering challenge: “Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” The imagery of the “cup” in Scripture often signifies suffering and divine judgment. The disciples, in their youthful zeal and overconfidence, immediately affirm their willingness: “We are able.” Their response is emblematic of the pride and naivety that frequently characterize those who have not yet fully grasped the gravity of discipleship.
Jesus, in His mercy, does not rebuke them harshly but instead affirms a truth they are yet to comprehend: “You will drink my cup.” Indeed, James would later be martyred for his faith, and John would suffer exile on the island of Patmos. Their lives would be marked by the very suffering they failed to anticipate at that moment. Their initial misunderstanding would be rectified through trials, through which they would come to understand that true greatness in God’s kingdom is not about privilege but about participation in Christ’s suffering.
The Kingdom of God and the Role of the Father
Jesus concludes His response by stating, “To sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” This statement reinforces the divine order and the sovereignty of God the Father in bestowing honor. Positions in God’s kingdom are not secured through human effort but are assigned according to divine wisdom and grace. This statement further humbles the disciples, reminding them that spiritual elevation is neither their right nor within Christ’s human prerogative to grant; rather, it is wholly in the hands of God.
Lessons for Today’s Believers
This passage presents several key takeaways for contemporary Christians:
Endurance and Perseverance in Faith – James and John, though initially misguided, grew in understanding and faith through suffering. John, who once sought earthly prominence, later fell at Christ’s feet in worship (Revelation 1:17). This transformation illustrates that God, through trials and sanctification, molds His people to reflect His glory.
Our Requests Must Align with God’s Will – Just as the mother of James and John sought prominence for her sons, we must be cautious that our prayers align with God’s purposes rather than our ambitions. The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 provides a model for prayers that seek God’s glory, submission to His will, and dependence on His provision.
Recognizing the Sinfulness of Our Children – Parents naturally desire the best for their children, but this desire should not blind them to their children’s spiritual needs. Every child, like every adult, is in need of salvation and the imputed righteousness of Christ. The best intercession we can offer for them is not for worldly success but for their spiritual growth and sanctification.
The Cost of Discipleship – Following Christ is not a path of comfort and convenience but of sacrifice and suffering. The world is hostile to God’s truth, and believers should expect opposition. As contemporary examples show, even private prayer in certain public spaces can result in legal consequences. This hostility is a symptom of a world in rebellion against God, yet Scripture assures us that the kingdom of God will ultimately prevail.
True Leadership in the Kingdom is Service – The kingdom of God exalts humility and self-sacrifice. Jesus modeled this perfectly, serving His disciples even to the point of laying down His life for them. Christians are called to follow this example, investing in one another’s spiritual growth, persevering in faith, and prioritizing the needs of the body of Christ over personal comfort.
Conclusion
The pressing question that emerges from this passage is whether we, as followers of Christ, are prepared to drink the cup He drank. To follow Jesus means to embrace both the external cost—opposition from the world—and the internal cost—self-sacrifice, humility, and service. The modern church must resist the temptation to equate Christianity with ease and comfort. Instead, we must embrace the full scope of discipleship, which entails both suffering and glory.
As we reflect on these truths, let us recommit ourselves to faithful obedience, to seeking God’s will above our own, and to enduring whatever trials may come for the sake of Christ. May we, like the apostles before us, grow in our understanding and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be transformed into true disciples of our Lord and Savior.
