Matthew 20:22 - But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to him, “We are able.”
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What does "Matthew 20:22" mean?
This verse from Matthew 20:22 is part of a larger exchange where the mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. Jesus's response, captured in this verse, highlights the following:
"You don't know what you are asking.": Jesus is gently rebuking them (or rather, their mother) for not understanding the true nature of his kingdom. They are seeking positions of power and glory without grasping the cost associated with truly following Jesus. His kingdom isn't about earthly thrones or privilege.
"Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?": This is the core of the verse, and it uses symbolic language:
"The Cup": The "cup" is a common biblical metaphor for suffering, particularly God's wrath or judgment. In Jesus's case, it represents the immense suffering and sacrifice he will undergo in his crucifixion. He is asking if they are willing to share in his suffering.
"The Baptism": "Baptism" here is not referring to water baptism in the literal sense. Instead, it symbolizes being overwhelmed and submerged by an experience, often suffering. It is an allusion to his imminent death.
Essentially, Jesus is challenging James and John to consider whether they are prepared to face the same level of suffering and hardship that he will endure.
"We are able.": James and John boldly declare their willingness to share in Jesus's suffering. However, their response is somewhat naive. They don't fully comprehend the depth and nature of the suffering Jesus is talking about. They likely envision glory and power without truly understanding the path of self-sacrifice and persecution that lies ahead.
In Summary:
Jesus is teaching that true greatness in his kingdom is not about positions of honor but about service and sacrifice. He's warning James and John (and, by extension, all his followers) that following him involves suffering and self-denial. While they are eager and confident in their ability to handle whatever comes, they don't yet fully grasp the true cost of discipleship.
Matthew 20:22 - But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to him, “We are able.”
What does "Matthew 20:22" mean?
This verse from Matthew 20:22 is part of a larger exchange where the mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom. Jesus's response, captured in this verse, highlights the following:
"You don't know what you are asking.": Jesus is gently rebuking them (or rather, their mother) for not understanding the true nature of his kingdom. They are seeking positions of power and glory without grasping the cost associated with truly following Jesus. His kingdom isn't about earthly thrones or privilege.
"Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?": This is the core of the verse, and it uses symbolic language:
"The Cup": The "cup" is a common biblical metaphor for suffering, particularly God's wrath or judgment. In Jesus's case, it represents the immense suffering and sacrifice he will undergo in his crucifixion. He is asking if they are willing to share in his suffering.
"The Baptism": "Baptism" here is not referring to water baptism in the literal sense. Instead, it symbolizes being overwhelmed and submerged by an experience, often suffering. It is an allusion to his imminent death.
Essentially, Jesus is challenging James and John to consider whether they are prepared to face the same level of suffering and hardship that he will endure.
"We are able.": James and John boldly declare their willingness to share in Jesus's suffering. However, their response is somewhat naive. They don't fully comprehend the depth and nature of the suffering Jesus is talking about. They likely envision glory and power without truly understanding the path of self-sacrifice and persecution that lies ahead.
In Summary:
Jesus is teaching that true greatness in his kingdom is not about positions of honor but about service and sacrifice. He's warning James and John (and, by extension, all his followers) that following him involves suffering and self-denial. While they are eager and confident in their ability to handle whatever comes, they don't yet fully grasp the true cost of discipleship.