Matthew 20:21 meaning
In a moment that highlights the tension between earthly ambition and divine purpose, a mother requests prestigious positions for her sons in Jesus’ coming kingdom. This interaction occurs shortly after Jesus has foretold His impending suffering and death, demonstrating the disciples’ struggle to grasp the necessity of the cross. Their focus remains fixated on glory rather than understanding the essence of true discipleship, which involves sacrifice and servitude. The mention of sitting at Jesus’ right and left illustrates a desire for status, reflecting a common human inclination towards seeking power and recognition, even amidst divine revelations of suffering.
Jesus responds not with condemnation but with clarity, emphasizing that true greatness in His kingdom is not about prestige but service. "You do not know what you are asking," serves as a sobering reminder that ambition must be aligned with understanding the cost of discipleship. In essence, the request and Jesus' response underscore a transformative truth: to share in Christ's glory is to first share in His suffering, as emphasized throughout His teachings about the nature of His kingdom. This passage invites believers to reconsider what it means to be great in God’s eyes, pointing to a life of humble service rather than a pursuit of status. This commentary aligns with principles of servanthood as addressed throughout the Gospels, illustrating a consistent divine call to live with humility and dedication to others.
For further exploration, consider the teaching found in Matthew 20:21.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 20:20-23 meaning. The mother of James and John approaches Jesus with a special favor for her sons. She asks that He grant them the place of honor on His right and left when He is in His kingdom. Jesus tells her and her sons that they don’t know what they are asking for and asks if they are prepared to drink the cup. They say they are able. He tells them that they will drink the cup but it is Jesus’s Father who will determine where people sit in the Kingdom.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 28:19-20 meaning. The Great Commission (continued) Jesus commissions and commands His disciples to make more disciples of all nations. They are to accomplish this by going to the nations, baptizing new disciples in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and by teaching new disciples to do the things Jesus commanded them. The Great Commission ends with Jesus promising to be with them until His return.
- Psalm 69:20-21 meaning. David describes his grief and sickness over his reproach. He laments how he finds no comfort, and how from the places where he expects to receive sympathy, he is given gall and vinegar instead. This scripture is prophetic of the gall and sour wine which Jesus was offered on the cross.
- Matthew 12:15-21 meaning. Matthew tells us that Jesus is not harmed by the Pharisees’ plot to destroy Him at this time. He continues to heal people, but is careful to keep His identity as the Messiah a mystery. Matthew highlights how this is another rich fulfillment of one of Isaiah’s prophecies.