The verse in question, Matthew 20:23, is part of a larger narrative within the Gospel of Matthew, which accounts for the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This specific verse is embedded in a conversation between Jesus and his disciples, particularly the brothers James and John, who were among Jesus’ twelve apostles. To understand the meaning of Matthew 20:23, it’s essential to consider the context in which it occurs.
Matthew 20:20-28 is a passage where the mother of James and John, along with her sons, approaches Jesus with a request. The mother asks Jesus to grant her sons positions of honor in his kingdom, specifically to sit at his right and left hand when he comes into his kingdom. This request reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of his kingdom, as well as a desire for earthly power and prestige.
Jesus responds by explaining that his kingdom is not about earthly power or glory but about service and humility. He tells James and John that the positions they request are not his to grant, implying that such honors are determined by God the Father. Then, in Matthew 20:23, Jesus says to the brothers, “You will indeed drink the cup I am going to drink, and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with; but to sit on 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 verse is pivotal for several reasons:
Prediction of Suffering: Jesus’ mention of “the cup I am going to drink” and “the baptism I am baptized with” refers to his upcoming suffering and death. By saying that James and John will also “drink the cup” and be “baptized,” Jesus is indicating that they too will face suffering and martyrdom for their faith. Historically, it is recorded that both James and John faced persecution for their beliefs. James is believed to have been martyred by King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2), and John, though not martyred by death, faced exile to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).
Nature of Kingdom and Service: Jesus’ response also underscores the nature of his kingdom and what it means to be a follower of Christ. The request by James and John, and Jesus’ subsequent explanation, highlight that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven is not about power or prestige but about humility and service. Jesus models this himself by taking on the form of a servant and giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Submission to God’s Will: The verse also emphasizes Jesus’ submission to the will of God the Father. By stating that the positions of honor are “for whom they have been prepared by my Father,” Jesus reinforces the idea that all authority and decisions regarding the kingdom are ultimately God’s, and that Jesus acts in accordance with the Father’s will.
In summary, Matthew 20:23 is a profound statement about the path of discipleship, the nature of Jesus’ kingdom, and the submission to God’s will. It sets the stage for the deeper understanding that true discipleship involves suffering, humility, and service, reflecting the very character of Jesus Christ himself.
