Bittersweet Moments

To Drink from the Cup

Matthew 20:20-28 THE MESSAGE

It was about that time that the mother of the Zebedee brothers came with her two sons and knelt before Jesus with a request.

“What do you want?” Jesus asked.

She said, “Give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the highest places of honor in your kingdom, one at your right hand, one at your left hand.”

Jesus responded, “You have no idea what you’re asking.” And he said to James and John, “Are you capable of drinking the cup that I’m about to drink?”

They said, “Sure, why not?”

Jesus said, “Come to think of it, you are going to drink my cup. But as to awarding places of honor, that’s not my business. My Father is taking care of that.”

When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.”

ponder this

This interaction occurs right after Jesus has described the events that will soon unfold—his approaching suffering, death, and resurrection—highlighting the purpose of his mission and the ultimate sacrifice he will make for humanity’s redemption. It also reveals the disciples’ misunderstanding and misplaced ambitions. Consider how bittersweet it must have been for Jesus to hold both truths. Consider how the reaction of the disciples surely impacted the story he was trying to tell with his life.

for reflection

1. Revisit the passage and ponder what James and John may have felt in this passage. What were the feelings you imagine they experienced?
2. What heedless words have come out of your mouth that you quickly regretted?
3. Recall a bittersweet moment from your life. Did you ever misunderstand something to later uncover more of the truth?

sensory cue

Bow your head. With humility, allow your eyes to fall toward your heart. Gaze on your heart with your eyes closed. Soften your eyes; release your jaw. Notice the softening in the back of your neck and upon your jawline. Exhale any remaining tensions out of your mouth with a sigh. Allow yourself to breathe in this bowed posture for several moments.

closing prayer

Father God,

Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for your companionship in all the moments of my life.

Amen.