“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.”– Matthew 20:21 (KJV)
“What is your request?” He asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you—one on your right and the other on your left.”– Matthew 20:21 (NLT)
“He said, ‘What do you want?’ She said, ‘Give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the places of honor next to you in your Kingdom, one at your right and the other at your left.’– Matthew 20:21 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 20:21 Mean?
In Matthew 20:21, we see a powerful moment where a mother approaches Jesus with a special request for her sons. This scenario reveals the intricate relationship between ambition, devotion, and the Kingdom of God. Here, the mother of James and John expresses her desire for her sons to have positions of honor beside Jesus in His Kingdom. At first glance, it may seem like a simple request, but it carries profound implications about how we view authority, service, and what it means to follow Christ.
We must remember that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were part of Jesus’ closest disciples. They walked with Him, witnessed miracles, and were among the first to follow His teachings. Their mother knew that their commitment to Jesus was deep, and she wanted to ensure they were recognized for their faithfulness. Yet, her request also reflects a common desire found in humanity—seeking recognition and status, not only in our lives but also in our spiritual journeys. This moment invites us to reflect on our own motivations and aspirations.
Matthew 20:21 Explanation and Commentary
The request made by the mother of James and John reveals multiple layers of meaning within the context of new Kingdom dynamics. Jesus does not chastise her or the two disciples; rather, He uses this opportunity to teach them about true greatness. In His response, Jesus reminds us that true glory in His Kingdom often looks different from the glory sought after in worldly terms. While the disciples sought positions of honor, Jesus emphasizes servanthood over status.
In Matthew 20:25-27, Jesus explains, “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.’” This radical teaching flips the worldly perspective of leadership upside down. In God’s Kingdom, greatness is not achieved through power and authority but through serving others, demonstrating love and humility.
Therefore, what can we learn from this? It is wonderful to aspire to greatness in our spiritual lives, but we need to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of humility. We are called not to seek positions next to Jesus in glory but to serve those who are in need. Our faith should be active and expressed through love, kindness, and service to others. This kind of humility and service reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to serve rather than to be served.
As we think about this request, we can ponder our own aspirations. Are we seeking recognition for our accomplishments in church and community? Or are we willing to serve quietly and lovingly, knowing that our true reward is found in God? These questions can guide us in our spiritual journeys, drawing us closer to Christ and deeper into the heart of His teachings about greatness.
Context of Matthew 20:21
Understanding the context surrounding Matthew 20:21 is vital for grasping the significance of this request. This passage happens just after Jesus shares a prophetic message about His impending crucifixion, illustrating how He would suffer and ultimately die for humanity (Matthew 20:17-19). The disciples are grappling with confusion, fear, and uncertainty about their future and their leader’s fate.
In this emotionally charged environment, the request from the mother of James and John stands out. It appears to show not only ambition but perhaps a sense of desperation to secure their place in Jesus’ plan. While Jesus is speaking of sacrifice and suffering, the disciples are still preoccupied with honor and authority. This juxtaposition highlights a genuine struggle many people face in their spiritual walks; we often long for security and recognition at the same time we’re called to step into the uncomfortable experiences of faith.
The surrounding passages also reflect a broader theme in the Gospel of Matthew of Jesus challenging the social and religious norms of His day. From His Sermon on the Mount to interactions with the Pharisees, He consistently turns conventional wisdom on its head, urging His followers to rethink their understanding of righteousness, humility, and leadership.
This moment serves as a reminder that followers of Jesus are called to a different standard—a standard rooted in love, compassion, and servanthood, not self-serving desires. As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves where our true aspirations lie in our spiritual journeys. Are we trying to secure the best position for ourselves, or are we embracing the invitation to serve others as He serves us?
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 20:21
The request made by the mother offers a tangible reflection of our own desires and aspirations. Let’s break down some key parts of this verse to better understand the gravity of this moment.
Firstly, the question, “What do you want?” posed by Jesus, is profound. It gives us a moment of reflection on our own desires. Jesus invites us to think carefully about what we seek in our lives—whether that be recognition, success, or fulfilling God’s calling. How often do we take the time to contemplate our true intentions before God?
Next, we see her request that her sons sit at Jesus’ right hand and left hand in the Kingdom. This notion of sitting at the right hand denotes a position of authority and power. While her desire stems from a place of love for her sons, it also raises questions about the nature of our requests. When we ask God for blessings or positions, do we understand the responsibilities that come with those roles? This request implies a deeper theme of what we believe the nature of God’s Kingdom entails. A Kingdom filled with honor and glory, or one rooted in love and servanthood?
As Jesus addresses her request, He brings clarity. He gently instructs that the true path to honor in His Kingdom comes through serving others. This rhetoric reminds us to align our understanding of greatness with God’s perspective. His Kingdom is not one of earthly accolades but one of sacrificial love and humility.
This passage stands to challenge our perceptions of achievement, calling followers of Christ to what we might call a “subversive greatness” that thrives on humility and selflessness. Every time we care for others, every act of kindness, and every moment spent in service contributes to the value of Jesus’ Kingdom in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 20:21
As we reflect on Matthew 20:21, several valuable lessons emerge. Let’s consider how we can apply these teachings in our lives.
Firstly, we learn that our aspirations should align with God’s heart for His Kingdom. It’s easy to desire positions of power or fame, but we must remember that God’s Kingdom is defined by service and not status. Our utmost call is to love and serve others in a world that often looks for personal glory. By choosing to follow Jesus through humble service, we reflect His light and love in places that most need it.
Secondly, this verse encourages us to assess our motivations. What drives our requests to God- is it self-interest, or is it a genuine desire to further His Kingdom? When we come to God, let’s seek to understand His will above our ambitions, for His plans are always higher than our own. We should be willing to express our hearts, but with the humility to accept His answer, whatever that may be.
Next, we should recognize the importance of community. It’s crucial to surround ourselves with fellow believers who share in the mission of God’s work. Together we can support and encourage each other as we strive for a life characterized by love, servanthood, and grace.
In the end, Matthew 20:21 serves as both inspiration and caution. It inspires us to desire greatness in God’s eyes but warns us that true greatness comes with a cost. Let’s take heart in knowing that serving others is the pathway to living out our faith authentically and reflecting Christ’s character in our lives.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our journey through Matthew 20:21, we find ourselves reflecting on important themes of ambition, servanthood, and the true nature of greatness in Christ’s Kingdom. This passage invites us to ask ourselves hard questions about our desires and aspirations, holding them up against the standards set by Jesus. His teachings remind us that while we may want honor and aspirations that resemble worldly accolades, God’s call is steeped in love, humility, and service.
We can seek positions, recognition, and worldly success, but the heart of Jesus implores us to be servants first. As we embrace the example laid out by Jesus, let’s aim to reflect His character in our communities. We can act in kindness, serve tirelessly, and love unconditionally, creating a ripple of His grace and love.
Let’s hold on to the truth that in the economy of God’s Kingdom, every humble act of service is invaluable. As we consider our journey, we can continue diving into other themes found within Scripture such as Genesis, where we see God’s creation unfold, or the context of parables in Matthew 11. Let’s keep exploring and growing together as we follow His leading in our lives.