>

Watch On Biblify

by Mark Baze Ministries Sunday, Dec 11, 2022

Matthew 20:20-28
The Father’s Authority and the Son’s Service

Verse 20 - “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and
desiring a certain thing of him.”
“the mother of Zebedee’s children” this phrase points toward the patriarchal order of Jewish society. Zebedee was first mentioned in chapter four, verse 21. Mark’s Gospel suggests that the mother of James and John was Salome. When one takes into account the following question, it is tempting to laugh at the woman. However, make note that she did worship Jesus. From the available evidence, she truly believed that he was the Messiah and would deliver Israel.

Verse 21 - “And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons
may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.”
While this may have seemed to be a petty and arrogant request, keep in mind that they were on their way to Jerusalem and likely drawing close. They were anticipating Jesus taking the throne. If there was a time to make a request, it would be now. James and John were the ones who joined Peter at the Transfiguration. Furthermore, Peter had strongly protested Jesus concerning his death and resurrection. The “sons of thunder” seemed to be the head of the twelve.

Verse 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.”
Jesus was making reference to his suffering and death. However, this was likely not perceived by the sons of Zebedee. In order to take his throne, he had to fulfill the will of God the Father. The brothers did not understand what it would take for Jesus to take his throne. However, they affirmed that they could meet the challenge. James would be given his opportunity sooner than later.

Verse 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.”
Whether it was because of their mother’s request or it would happen regardless, James and John would face suffering and, at least for James, death. However, Jesus did not have the authority to offer them such positions. God the Father holds the sole authority to grant such positions.

Verse 24 - “And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.”
The other disciples did not understand what kind of baptism Jesus, James, and John would receive. As a result, they were jealous in their ignorance.




Verse 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.”
Jesus begins to draw a distinction between his role during his ministry compared to the rulers of the world. Kings, emperors, and other rulers all had a large number of servants. It would be natural for the disciples to assume Jesus would have servants once he arrived in Jerusalem.


Verse 26 - “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your
minister;”
This statement by Jesus was preparing them for the days following his resurrection. The disciples had received a promise to have thrones and serve as judges in the Kingdom. However, they would not be in the kingdom for some time. Therefore, in the meantime, they were to be serving the people of Israel. However, even in their role as judges, as leaders they should still serve.
While this verse is framed as a statement about the disciples, the heart of this verse is speaking about Christ himself. He was the greatest among them, and yet, he humbled himself to minister to them.

Verse 27 - “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:”
Jesus was describing this picture of one who was to become chief over men. However, this person came not as a conquering ruler, but a humble servant. This was a key attribute of the Messiah that was not understood and overlooked by the Jewish leaders. The scribes and Pharisees never considered Isaiah 53 to be referring to this carpenter from Nazareth.

Verse 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.”
The word “minister” in the Greek is diakoneō which is translated as “deacon” in 1 Timothy. In chapter three, verses eight through 13, the attributes and qualities of a deacon should be the goal and aspiration of every church member. While certain men were designated as deacons, all members of the Body of Christ can and should be willing to serve their local church. Every letter in which Paul mentioned someone, whether man or woman, he always referred to them as a diakoneō. When one lives selflessly, sin does not get near as many opportunities. Selfish ambitions bring about wickedness. Theft, adultery, and jealousy are all rooted in selfishness. The local church gives people the opportunity to serve someone besides themself.

New on Worshify