What does Matthew 20:22-23 mean?

Matthew 20:22-23 is part of a larger narrative where Jesus addresses the request made by the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) for her sons to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. The verses read as follows in the New International Version (NIV):

"You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

To understand these verses, it is essential to consider the context and the deeper theological implications of Jesus' words.

Contextual Background

In the preceding verses, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus with a bold request: she wants her sons to have the places of highest honor in Jesus' kingdom. This request reflects a common misunderstanding among Jesus' followers at the time. They often envisioned the Messiah's kingdom in terms of earthly power and glory, akin to the political kingdoms they were familiar with. However, Jesus' kingdom operates on entirely different principles.

The Cup of Suffering

When Jesus asks, "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" He uses the metaphor of a cup to represent the suffering and sacrifice He is about to endure. This metaphor is consistent with other biblical references, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, NIV). The "cup" here symbolizes the impending suffering, crucifixion, and the weight of humanity's sins that Jesus will bear.

James and John, perhaps not fully comprehending the gravity of Jesus' question, confidently respond, "We can." Their response demonstrates their willingness but also their lack of understanding of what true discipleship and following Jesus entail. Jesus acknowledges their commitment by affirming that they will indeed share in His suffering: "You will indeed drink from my cup." This prophecy is fulfilled in the lives of James and John. James becomes the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2), and John faces severe persecution and exile (Revelation 1:9).

Divine Sovereignty and Humility

Jesus then shifts the focus from their willingness to suffer to the sovereignty of God in determining positions of honor in His kingdom. "To sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." This statement underscores a crucial theological point: the distribution of honor and authority in God's kingdom is determined by God's sovereign will and not by human ambition or request. It is a reminder that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Kingdom's Upside-Down Values

The request of James and John, along with Jesus' response, serves as a teaching moment for all the disciples. In the verses that follow (Matthew 20:24-28), Jesus contrasts the worldly pursuit of power and greatness with the values of His kingdom. He calls His disciples to a life of servanthood and humility:

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28, NIV)

This teaching is revolutionary. In a culture that prizes status, power, and authority, Jesus flips the script. True greatness in His kingdom is measured by one's willingness to serve others selflessly. Jesus Himself embodies this principle through His life and sacrificial death.

Application for Today

For contemporary Christians, Matthew 20:22-23 challenges us to examine our understanding of discipleship and leadership. It calls us to:

1. Embrace Suffering for Christ: Following Jesus entails a willingness to endure hardship and suffering for His sake. This does not mean seeking out suffering, but rather accepting it as part of our commitment to Christ. Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 1:29: "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him."

2. Submit to God's Sovereignty: We must recognize that God is in control and trust His plans and purposes. Our ambitions and desires, even if well-intentioned, must be surrendered to His will. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

3. Pursue Servanthood and Humility: True leadership in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and a servant's heart. This is countercultural and often challenging, but it is the path to true greatness. Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) provides a powerful illustration of servant leadership.

4. Understand the Eternal Perspective: The ultimate rewards and honors in God's kingdom are determined by Him and are often different from what we might expect. Our focus should be on faithfulness and obedience rather than seeking positions of prominence.

Conclusion

Matthew 20:22-23 is a profound passage that invites us to reflect on the nature of true discipleship and the values of God's kingdom. Jesus' conversation with James and John reveals the cost of following Him, the sovereignty of God in bestowing honor, and the call to servanthood. As we meditate on these verses, may we be inspired to follow Jesus' example, embrace His teachings, and live out His kingdom values in our daily lives.