Matthew 20

A Mother’s Request

20 The mother of James and John*20.20 mother of James and John: The Greek text has "mother of the sons of Zebedee" (see 26.37). came to Jesus with her two sons. She knelt down and started begging him to do something for her. 21 Jesus asked her what she wanted, and she said, "When you come into your kingdom, please let one of my sons sit at your right side and the other at your left."*20.21 right side … left: The most powerful people in a kingdom sat at the right and left side of the king.

22 Jesus answered, "Not one of you knows what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the cup*20.22 drink from the cup: In the Scriptures a cup is sometimes used as a symbol of suffering. To "drink from the cup" is to suffer. that I must soon drink from?"

James and John said, "Yes, we are!"

23 Jesus replied, "You certainly will drink from my cup! But it isn’t for me to say who will sit at my right side and at my left. This is for my Father to say."