22"You don’t know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered.
23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."
- P37
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.
25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
- P39
When Jesus announced His death and resurrection in Matthew 16 and 17, the disciples were understandably distressed. As they draw nearer to Jerusalem, Jesus repeats that He will be condemned to death at the hand of Jewish leaders and adds that the Romans will mock, flog, and crucify Him. Jesus is not trying to discourage His disciples; He is preparing them for the difficulties that lie ahead and reassuring them that He will be raised to life.
- P40
We will at times suffer for the gospel, but we do not have to dwell on the hardships we face. We can remember that they are temporary and that, no matter what, we are assured the glorious victory of eternal life with Jesus. - P40
James and John approach Jesus with their mother to ask Him for theprivileged seats immediately next to Him in His kingdom. They thinkthat Jesus will be a warrior king like King David and take over the Romanempire. However, Jesus tells them that they do not understand theimplications of their request, and the seats they ask for are already reservedby God for those He has chosen. - P40
When the other disciples find out whatthey had asked, they become angry with James and John. Jesus takes thisopportunity to teach them that the ambition for greatness is not a principleof His kingdom. He Himself came to serve and give His life forare reminded once again that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven isselfless service for God‘s people. - P40
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