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. 23 And
he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized
with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand,
and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for
whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And
when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the
two brethren. –Matthew 20:22-24 (KJV)
Start praying for greatness and we are going to be
humbled. Start praying for a servant’s heart and we will be
exalted – at the proper time. After this request, Jesus
turned to James and John and said, “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.” Jesus was talking about a cup of crucifixion,
suffering, sacrifice, pain, humiliation, and martyrdom. How many
at that point might have said, “Okay, maybe not,” and walked away.
Nevertheless, what is amazing to me is that the two remained and without
hesitation said, “We are able.” I will give these men an “A”
for guts and courage. How many of us would endure the lashings
and then the horror of the cross? I would not wish it on my worst enemy.
Jesus said something that again I am surprised
did not send them running for their lives, “Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized
with the baptism that I am baptized with:” Again, be careful what
you ask for, because you just might get it. Jesus told them they
would indeed share His cup and His baptism, which was figurative language
for self-sacrifice and a martyr’s death. However, Jesus reminded
them that who will sit at His right and left hand in glory is in God’s
hands. Do not try to circumvent God’s plan, will, or purpose. Not even one of the apostles had such
power.
Are you surprised that when the other disciples heard
all of this they became indignant? They began to grumble and in
essence said, who do they think they are? Their response is understandable.
Anytime we perceive someone’s desire is to rise above us in some way
we feel put off, do we not? Jesus decided to teach them all a
lesson on humility.
We are not like the world and the world’s methods
for exercising authority over people. We win the world to Christ
though love. Our authority is not from ourselves, but from Jesus
Christ and the Word of God.
3 key truths in Matthew 20:26-28
- Whoever wants to be great must be a servant.
- Whoever desires to be first must be a slave, or be like one.
- Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. He is our example.
God bless you today.
