SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 20:17-34
Jesus is heading to Jerusalem for his destiny of dying on the cross. He once again tells his disciples he will be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, and crucified. Then, he will rise again on the third day.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) asked Jesus to place her two sons on his right and left in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus responds that he cannot grant that request and only God can and they have already been prepared. The other disciples were indignant over this request. Jesus sais that to be great you must serve and to be first you must be your slave since he came to serve and not be served, as well as give his life for many.
Two blind men on the road outside of Jericho heard Jesus pass. They asked Jesus to have mercy on them. The crowd tried to silence them, but they merely cried louder. Jesus had compassion on them and granted their request to see again. They then followed him.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 3: Matthew 20:17-34
6) I’m assuming the disciples probably don’t believe Jesus will die. He is telling them to ensure they understand that he will die.
7a) The mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) asked Jesus to place her two sons on his right and left in the kingdom of heaven. Since Jesus told them they would sit on thrones, Zebedee’s mother is asking they sit on thrones next to Jesus.
b) Jesus responds that he cannot grant that request and only God can and they have already been prepared. Those spots are reserved for others.
c) The other disciples were indignant over this request. They probably wanted these coveted spots, too.
d) Jesus came to serve, not to be served, meaning sitting next to him should not be their goal at all. It’s to serve others, too.
8 ) It’s always hard to serve others, I think. It goes against our selfish nature. It challenges me to look for more opportunities to serve, rather than be served.
9a) Jesus came to serve and so he did when asked to heal.
b) To keep praying for healing, for others, and keep asking for mercy.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 3: Matthew 20:17-34
I love how if you are denied, you just shout louder. If you are not heard, you keep trying to be heard until you are heard. This is a great lesson in our lives with relationships, career, and more. You keep trying and never give up, especially if it’s something for which you believe you are right.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 3: Matthew 20:17-34
Jesus was headed to Jerusalem for Passover. The law of Moses required all Israelites to attend Passover.
We are not told about any of the disciples reactions here when Jesus spoke of his impending death. Did they really hear Jesus? Or did they dismiss his words?
Jesus was very specific about his death, perhaps trying to get it through to his disciples that he will die soon.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons was with Jesus throughout his ministry. We see her mentioned that they followed Jesus from Galilee and were at Jesus’s crucifixion. Presumably, she was a follower, too. (Matthew 27:56).
Who will have the best spots? The mother of Zebedee asks for her sons to have them. Traditionally, those on the right and left hand are the most important and even share in power, prestige, and wealth of the ruler.
Jesus has said they have thrones. Just who will get the best thrones is the question here.
James would be the first martyr amongst the disciples, and John would live a long life and write many books in the Bible.
The fact they are even asking shows us they still don’t get the kingdom Jesus will bring. His kingdom is for others. The disciples repeatedly show they don’t quite get the kingdom Jesus is bringing. It’s not an earthly one, but one in heaven.
The other 10 disciples were probably mad because they didn’t ask first!
True greatness is service. Period.
Healing the Two Blind Men
The men ignored the crowd and instead screamed louder. We must ignore the noise around us, too, and listen for Jesus all around us as he passes by.
Obviously, Jesus was on a mission. Yet, he had compassion, stopped, and healed these men.
Jesus asks them a question he asks all of us every day, “What do you want me to do for you?”
God knows our needs, but He still wants us to ask Him to fulfill them.