Matthew 20:20-28 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Matthew 20:20-28

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Distinction in the kingdom.

In the company of Jesus and his twelve apostles, as they went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, were probably other disciples, their relatives and friends. For here is "the mother of the sons of Zebedee," who came "worshipping, and asking a certain thing" of Jesus. The reply and discourse following show—

I. THAT DISTINCTION IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS NOT THE DISTINCTION OF LORDSHIP.

1. This is the distinction of earthly kingdoms.

2. Christians sometimes mistake it for the distinction of Christ's kingdom.

II. THAT DISTINCTION IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS THE DISTINCTION OF SERVICE.

1. The service of suffering.

2. The service of ministry.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Matthew 20:20-28

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew 20 — OverviewMatthew 20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have four things in this chapter. I. The parable of the labourers in the vineyard, ver. 1-16. II. A prediction of Christ's approaching sufferings, ver. 17-19. III. The petition of two of the disciples, by…Matthew 20 — OverviewMatthew 20 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeMatthew 20:1, Christ, by the similitude of the labourers in the vineyard, shows that God is debtor unto no man; Matthew 20:17, foretells his passion; Matthew 20:20, by answering the mother of Zebedee’s children, teaches…Matthew 20:1-34Matthew 20:1-34 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Matthew 20:20-28Matthew 20:20-28 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere, is first, the request of the two disciples to Christ, and the rectifying of the mistake upon which that was grounded, v. 20-23. The sons of Zebedee were James and John, two of the first three of Christ's…Matthew 20:20Matthew 20:20 · The Pulpit CommentaryThen. The incident seems to have arisen from the promise of the twelve thrones in Matthew 19:28, and is significant as showing how utterly misunderstood was the true nature of the Messianic kingdom. The mother of…Matthew 20:20Matthew 20:20 · The Pulpit CommentaryMotherly ambition. It is certainly surprising to find James and John presenting such a request as this. We cannot but think that they ought to have known their Lord better. If any of the apostolic company had insight…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.sermonThe Ambitious DisciplesA Promise Misunderstood The disciples had been pondering deeply, we may be sure, on the great promise Jesus had lately made to them--"When the Son of man...George H. Morrison commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.