New Testament
Matthew 20:23
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Jesus told them, 'You will indeed drink from my cup and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But the seats at my right and left aren't mine to give away. Those places belong to the ones my Father has already prepared them for.'
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And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
What Matthew 20:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the challenges they will face as His followers. The 'cup' symbolizes suffering and sacrifice, while 'baptism' refers to the trials He will endure. Jesus acknowledges that they will experience similar hardships. However, He clarifies that the authority to grant positions of honor in His kingdom is not His to give; it is determined by God the Father. This highlights the divine plan and the importance of humility and submission to God's will. The disciples are eager for glory, but Jesus redirects their focus to the reality of discipleship, which involves suffering and service rather than seeking power or status.
How to apply Matthew 20:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace the challenges of following Christ, understanding that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking power. We should focus on our relationship with God and trust His plans for our lives, rather than striving for positions of honor.
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 20:23 mean?
Matthew 20:23 means that Jesus is telling His disciples they will face suffering and trials like He will. However, He emphasizes that the authority to grant positions of honor in His kingdom belongs to God the Father, not to Him.
What is the significance of the 'cup' in Matthew 20:23?
In Matthew 20:23, the 'cup' symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus will endure. It represents the challenges that His followers will also face as they commit to discipleship.
What does 'baptized with the baptism' refer to in this verse?
The phrase 'baptized with the baptism' in Matthew 20:23 refers to the trials and hardships that Jesus will experience. It signifies the deep commitment and suffering that His followers will also encounter.
What does Jesus mean by saying the seats at His right and left are not His to give?
When Jesus says the seats at His right and left are not His to give, He is indicating that the authority to assign such positions in His kingdom is determined by God the Father, highlighting the divine plan.
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