Mat 20:20-28 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 20:20-28: 20:20-28 Each prediction of Jesus’ suffering in Matthew is connected to instruction on the nature of discipleship in light of that suffering (see 16:24-28 ; 17:24–18:5 ). This teaching called the Messiah’s disciples to follow his example of service and sacrifice. Summary for Matt 20:20-21: 20:20-21 This mother’s question appears to have been inspired by her sons, since Jesus responded to the sons rather than to the mother (cp. Mark 10:35-37 ).

Summary for Matt 20:20-28: 20:20-28 ^a Each prediction of Jesus’ suffering in Matthew is connected to instruction on the nature of discipleship in light of that suffering (see 16:24-28 ^b; 17:24–18:5 ^c). This teaching called the Messiah’s disciples to follow his example of service and sacrifice.
Summary for Matt 20:20-21: 20:20-21 ^d This mother’s question appears to have been inspired by her sons, since Jesus responded to the sons rather than to the mother (cp. Mark 10:35-37 ^e).
20:21 ^f The promise of sitting in positions of authority in God’s Kingdom had already been given (19:28 ^g); the brothers’ request seems to have been motivated out of selfish desire for prominence, with no regard for the suffering the Messiah would soon undergo (see Matt 23:6 ^h; Luke 14:7-11 ⁱ).
20:22 ^j The cup refers to Jesus’ duty, calling, and destiny (see 26:39 ^k; John 18:11 ^l; see also Ps 75:8 ^m; Isa 51:17 ⁿ, 22 ^o; Rev 16:19 ^p).
20:23 ^q You will indeed: James was eventually martyred (Acts 12:2 ^r), and John suffered significant persecution (Acts 4:3 ^s; 5:40 ^t; Rev 1:9 ^u).
20:24 ^v The other disciples ... were indignant: Selfish ambition was apparently not unique to James and John (see also 21:15 ^w; 26:8 ^x; Luke 13:14 ^y).
Summary for Matt 20:25-28: 20:25-28 ^z The desire for power is characteristic of pagan rulers in this world. It ought not to be a trait of those who follow the Son of Man (18:1-5 ^aa; 19:13-15 ^ab; 23:1-12 ^ac).
20:27 ^ad The word slave is a common metaphor for the submissive relationship of a disciple to his master (8:9 ^ae; 10:24-25 ^af; 24:45-51 ^ag; 25:14-30 ^ah). Jesus’ disciples serve others, following Jesus’ example (e.g., John 13:1-17 ^ai).
20:28 ^aj This expression, the Son of Man came, suggests Jesus’ preexistence (see Dan 7:13-14 ^ak).

• Jesus was describing his voluntary offering of himself as a ransom for many, to pay the debt all people owe (see Matt 26:26-29 ^al; Isa 53:10-12 ^am; Rom 3:24 ^an), thereby buying them out of slavery (see Gal 5:1 ^ao).