Matthew 20:24, "When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers," refers to the reaction of the other ten disciples to James and John's request. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"When the ten heard it...": This refers to the ten remaining disciples (excluding James and John).
"...they were indignant...": Indignant means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. The disciples were not pleased.
"...with the two brothers.": The "two brothers" are James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
So, the verse means that the other ten disciples became angry or annoyed with James and John when they heard about their request to Jesus.
Why were they indignant?
The disciples were likely angry because:
Jealousy/Selfish Ambition: The other disciples probably desired a position of importance in Jesus' kingdom themselves. James and John's request for special privileges threatened their own aspirations.
Misunderstanding the Nature of the Kingdom: The disciples still hadn't fully grasped that Jesus' kingdom was not a worldly, political one. They were focused on power and prestige rather than service and sacrifice.
Feeling Betrayed: James and John had gone behind their backs, secretly asking Jesus for special treatment. This undermined the sense of equality and unity within the group.
In essence, the disciples' indignation stemmed from their own selfish desires, their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, and a perceived unfair advantage sought by James and John.
Matthew 20:24, "When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers," refers to the reaction of the other ten disciples to James and John's request. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"When the ten heard it...": This refers to the ten remaining disciples (excluding James and John).
"...they were indignant...": Indignant means feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. The disciples were not pleased.
"...with the two brothers.": The "two brothers" are James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
So, the verse means that the other ten disciples became angry or annoyed with James and John when they heard about their request to Jesus.
Why were they indignant?
The disciples were likely angry because:
Jealousy/Selfish Ambition: The other disciples probably desired a position of importance in Jesus' kingdom themselves. James and John's request for special privileges threatened their own aspirations.
Misunderstanding the Nature of the Kingdom: The disciples still hadn't fully grasped that Jesus' kingdom was not a worldly, political one. They were focused on power and prestige rather than service and sacrifice.
Feeling Betrayed: James and John had gone behind their backs, secretly asking Jesus for special treatment. This undermined the sense of equality and unity within the group.
In essence, the disciples' indignation stemmed from their own selfish desires, their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, and a perceived unfair advantage sought by James and John.