Drinking from the Cup:

Context:

• In the Matthew account, the mother of James and John kneels before Jesus.
• He asks “...What do you want?...”
• She wants her sons to sit on the right and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom.
• In the Mark account, James and John came to Him.
• He asks “...What do you want me to do for you...”
• They want to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His glory.

Why would the mother of James and John ask that her sons be given seats of honor in the kingdom?

• Matthew 19:28 “...Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel...”
• Jesus had just been talking about His glorious throne, and twelve thrones for those that followed Him.
• Aren’t all good mothers looking for the best for their sons?

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...”

Mark 10:38 “...Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?...”

How did Jesus respond to the request?

• He indicated that the request wasn’t made from a good understanding of things.
• He put things in the context of God’s unfolding plans.
• He carefully steered the discussion away from the plans of man, and mothers.

Do disciples still need Jesus to steer them toward God’s unfolding plans?

How did the disciples respond to the question Jesus posed?

• They were quick to respond - we are able.

Were the disciples able?

• The unfolding story will show the disciples cowering in fear.

Matthew 20:23 “...He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father...”

Mark 10:39-40 “...And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared...”

What did Jesus know about the disciples ability to follow?

• By fleshly attempts they couldn’t drink the cup.
• When the Holy Spirit was sent, they would indeed drink the cup.

What does Jesus know about us?

• By fleshly attempts we can’t follow Him.
• When the Holy Spirit is upon us, we can indeed follow His lead.

Matthew 20:25-28 “...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, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many...”

Mark 10:42-45 “...And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But 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 slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many...”

What ‘final answer’ did Jesus give regarding places of honor?

• The world looks at authority and greatness in one way.
• God looks at authority and greatness in another way.
• Jesus came to serve, and to give up His life for many.
• Following Jesus means becoming a servant for many.

Is it an honor to give up your life for others?