Two distinct stories in this section of Scripture that seem unrelated, but are they really? Let’s dig in and find out!!!
Matthew 20:20-34
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 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.” 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.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 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. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What prompted the mother of James & John to ask Jesus for this “favor”? I think there are both wise and unwise reasons!!! If Jesus truly is God, why can’t He grant her request?
+ What is the “cup” that Jesus is to drink? Is it the same exact “cup” that Jesus predicts James and John will both drink?
+ Why do you think the other ten disciples got mad at James & John? Can you make any application of this in your own life today?
+ What was Jesus’ point in verses 25-28 in relation to what just transpired (and what was about to take place)?
+ Why would the crowd rebuke these two blind men? Can you make any application of this in your own life today?
+ What would you say if Jesus asked you “What do you want me to do for you”?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ According to Matthew 20:26-27, following Jesus means living a life of being a servant and a slave to others. I have to admit, I don’t think I am doing a very good job at “achieving” this goal!!!
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being selfish with my time, my efforts and my resources. Grant me the ability to see others as You see them. Strengthen me to live as Jesus did, putting others before Himself.
Philippians 2:3-5
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?