New Testament: Matt 20.22

To read the Bible in a year, read Matthew 20.17–34 on January 30, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Is it possible that we ask for things from the Lord of which we really do not know what it is that we are requesting? The mother of James and John made a request of Jesus that he would have them sit on either side of him in his kingdom. However: 

Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

– Matthew 20.22 

I would guess that their images of the kingdom would be like the kingdom of David, but the kingdom of Christ would be much different. 

First, they did not realize that they requested something exceedingly high, so much so, that it was not for Jesus to fulfill their request, but only for the Father to do. 

Moreover, they did not realize the suffering that would come their way. It would be so overwhelming that Jesus would compare it to baptism, in which a person is submerged in water or something. 

They claimed that they were ready to endure whatever came their way. However, let us remind ourselves that sometimes we may not get what we have asked for from the Lord, because it just may not be good for us and it may entail suffering for which we are not prepared. 

Questions: 

• What do you want from the Lord? 
• Are you willing to endure any suffering that comes with it? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com