Matthew 20:20-28

Matthew 20:20-28

[20] Then  came  to him  the mother  of Zebedee's  children  with  her  sons,  worshipping  him, and  desiring  a certain  of him.  [21] And  he said  unto her,  What  wilt thou?  She saith  unto him,  Grant  that  these  two  sons  may sit,  the one  on  right hand,  and  the other  on  the left,  in  kingdom.  [22] But  Jesus  answered  and said,  Ye know  not  what  ye ask.  Are ye able  to drink  of the cup  that  shall  drink of,  to be baptized  with the baptism  that  am baptized with?  They say  unto him,  We are able.  [23] And  he saith  unto them,  Ye shall drink  indeed  cup,  and  be baptized  with the baptism  that  am baptized with:  but  to sit  on  right hand,  and  on  left,  not  mine  to give,  but  it shall be given to them for whom  it is prepared  of  Father.  [24] And  when the ten  heard  it, they were moved with indignation  against  the two  brethren.  [25] But  Jesus  called  them  unto him, and said,  Ye know  that  the princes  of the Gentiles  exercise dominion over  them,  and  they that are great  exercise authority upon  them.  [26] not  so  among  but  whosoever  will  be  great  among  minister;  [27] And  whosoever  will  chief  among  servant:  [28] Even as  the Son  of man  came  not  to be ministered unto,  but  to minister,  and  to give  his  life  a ransom  for  many. 

What does Matthew 20:20-28 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This pericope shows that the disciples did not understand what Jesus had said (cf. Luke 18:34).
"Despite Jesus" repeated predictions of his passion, two disciples and their mother are still thinking about privilege, status, and power." [1]
"The natural human concern with status and importance is clearly one of the most fundamental instincts which must be unlearned by those who belong to God"s kingdom." [2]