Matthew 20:22
Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus gently points out that the disciples have a completely wrong idea of what they're asking for; they desire the glory of ruling with him but have no grasp of the suffering that precedes it. The "cup" and "baptism" aren't just metaphors for hardship, but are specific experiences of Christ's own suffering that must be shared to truly understand and participate in his kingdom. Their confident "We are able" reveals a dangerous ignorance of the immense cost of true discipleship.
The mother of James and John, along with her sons, approaches Jesus with a bold request: to sit at his right and left hand in his future kingdom. Jesus, responding directly to the brothers, challenges their understanding of their own ambition by asking if they can endure the suffering and hardship that he himself must face. They confidently affirm their ability, revealing their naive understanding of what true discipleship entails.
James and John boldly ask for the highest seats in God's kingdom. But Jesus' response reveals a staggering gap between their desire and their understanding.
A Misunderstood Kingdom
Jesus immediately points out their profound ignorance: "You do not know what you are asking." They're operating under a false assumption about what his kingdom entails. Their ambition is fueled by a worldly view of power and prestige, not a spiritual one. They envision earthly glory and reward, completely missing the suffering that precedes it.
The Flesh's Boldness
Their immediate, confident reply, "We are able," highlights the danger of self-assurance apart from true understanding. This isn't a humble seeking of God's will, but a bold assertion of their own perceived strength. It's a classic case of the flesh trying to achieve spiritual things on its own terms, not realizing the depth of what's required.
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Jesus doesn't just correct their ambition; He re-frames their entire understanding of greatness by introducing the 'cup' and 'baptism.' What do these powerful images represent?
A Bitter Draught
Jesus uses the metaphor of a 'cup' to represent the suffering and affliction God ordains. It's a symbol of enduring God's judgment and experiencing intense hardship. For Jesus, this cup was uniquely bitter – the suffering of bearing the sin of the world. The disciples' immediate 'We are able' reveals their complete ignorance of the immense weight this cup held.
Plunged into Trials
The 'baptism' is another metaphor for overwhelming suffering and immersion in trial. It speaks to being plunged into a sea of troubles, facing persecution, and experiencing God's severe testing. While the exact wording is debated in Matthew, the core concept is clear: true discipleship, especially at the highest levels, involves profound participation in Christ's sufferings.
Understand the original words
potērion · Greek Noun
A metaphorical reference to divine judgment, suffering, or destiny. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it refers specifically to the intensity of the suffering, abandonment, and wrath He would endure on the cross as the substitute for His people.
The disciples' request, though seemingly out of place, highlights the tension between worldly expectations of power and the reality of Christ's suffering and the humble service required to enter his kingdom.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus is actively teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, including James and John, during his public ministry in Galilee. The anticipation of a 'kingdom' is growing among his followers.
c. AD 28-30
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples are traveling towards Jerusalem, a journey that heightens the disciples' expectations of an imminent earthly kingdom. This is the context for the request by James and John's mother.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is arrested, tried, and condemned. This period represents the 'cup' of suffering and the 'baptism' of intense affliction that Jesus prophesied.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and dies. This event is the ultimate fulfillment of the suffering Jesus spoke of and the profound 'cup' he drank.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead, demonstrating his victory over suffering and death and confirming the reality of the heavenly kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Ministry
Following Jesus' resurrection, the disciples, including James and John, begin to preach the Gospel. James would later be martyred, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy about drinking his cup.
Jesus speaks about a 'baptism' he must undergo, which is his suffering and death, directly paralleling the 'cup' and 'baptism' mentioned in Matthew 20:22.
John 18:11Jesus refers to accepting the 'cup' given to him by the Father, which is his suffering, revealing the 'cup' as a symbol of God's ordained suffering.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses a deep desire to 'share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,' echoing the disciples' willingness to drink Jesus' cup.
Revelation 1:9John speaks of being a 'sharer in the tribulation and the kingdom and the steadfastness that are in Jesus,' connecting participation in Jesus' kingdom with sharing in his suffering.
Mark 10:38This parallel account in Mark shows Jesus asking the same question about drinking his cup and being baptized with his baptism, highlighting the consistent teaching on suffering preceding glory.
calvinMatthew 20:20-23: "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."
- Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping, [651] and asking something from him. 21. And he said to her, What wilt thou? She saith to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, one at thy right hand, and the other at the left, in thy kingdom. 22. And Jesus answering said, You know not what you ask. Can you drink the cup…
henryMatthew 20:20-28: "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."
20:20-28 The sons of Zebedee abused what Christ said to comfort the disciples. Some cannot have comforts but they turn them to a wrong purpose. Pride is a sin that most easily besets us; it is sinful ambition to outdo others in pomp and grandeur. To put down the vanity and ambition of their request, Christ leads them to the thoughts of their sufferings. It i…
Jesus gently points out that the disciples have a completely wrong idea of what they're asking for; they desire the glory of ruling with him but have no grasp of the suffering that precedes it. The "cup" and "baptism" aren't just metaphors for hardship, but are specific experiences of Christ's own suffering that must be shared to truly understand and participate in his kingdom. Their confident "We are able" reveals a dangerous ignorance of the immense cost of true discipleship.
The mother of James and John, along with her sons, approaches Jesus with a bold request: to sit at his right and left hand in his future kingdom. Jesus, responding directly to the brothers, challenges their understanding of their own ambition by asking if they can endure the suffering and hardship that he himself must face. They confidently affirm their ability, revealing their naive understanding of what true discipleship entails.
The mother of James and John, along with her sons, approaches Jesus with a bold request: to sit at his right and left hand in his future kingdom. Jesus, responding directly to the brothers, challenges their understanding of their own ambition by asking if they can endure the suffering and hardship that he himself must face. They confidently affirm their ability, revealing their naive understanding of what true discipleship entails.
"Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”" — Jesus gently points out that the disciples have a completely wrong idea of what they're asking for; they desire the glory of ruling with him but have no grasp of the suffering that precedes it. The "…
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