New Testament
Matthew 20:21
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"What do you want?" Jesus asked her. She said, "Grant that my two sons may sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
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And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
What Matthew 20:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus with a bold request. She asks Him to grant her sons the honor of sitting at His right and left in His kingdom, which signifies positions of power and authority. This request reflects her desire for her sons to have prominent roles in the anticipated kingdom of Jesus. Jesus responds by asking if they are able to endure the suffering that comes with following Him, indicating that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status but about sacrifice and service. This moment highlights the contrast between worldly ambition and the values of the kingdom of God, where humility and servanthood are paramount. The request also serves as a reminder of the human tendency to seek recognition and power, often overlooking the deeper call to follow Christ's example of selflessness and love.
How to apply Matthew 20:21 to your life
This passage encourages us to examine our own desires for recognition and status. Instead of seeking power, we should focus on serving others and following Christ's example of humility. True greatness in God's kingdom comes from selflessness and a willingness to endure challenges for the sake of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: “Grant That We May Sit” (Matthew 20:20–28)
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John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 20:21 teach about ambition?
Matthew 20:21 highlights the tension between worldly ambition and the values of God's kingdom. The request from the mother of James and John for her sons to sit in positions of honor reflects a common human desire for recognition and power. However, Jesus redirects the focus to the importance of servanthood and sacrifice, teaching that true greatness in His kingdom is not about status but about serving others and enduring hardships for the sake of love.
Why did the mother of James and John ask Jesus for special positions?
The mother of James and John likely asked Jesus for special positions because she believed that her sons were destined for greatness in His kingdom. This request reflects a common desire among people to secure favorable status and recognition. However, Jesus uses this moment to teach that the path to greatness involves suffering and serving others, rather than seeking power or authority.
How does Jesus respond to the request in Matthew 20:21?
In response to the request from the mother of James and John, Jesus asks if her sons are able to endure the suffering that comes with following Him. This response emphasizes that true greatness in His kingdom requires sacrifice and a willingness to serve, rather than simply holding positions of power. Jesus is teaching that the values of His kingdom are contrary to worldly ambitions.
What can we learn about servanthood from Matthew 20:21?
Matthew 20:21 teaches us that servanthood is a core value in the kingdom of God. Instead of seeking positions of power, we are called to serve others selflessly. Jesus' response to the request emphasizes that greatness comes from humility and the willingness to endure challenges for the benefit of others, reflecting His own example of love and sacrifice.
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