Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Ryan
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.
Matthew 20:20-21 (LSB)
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”
The Bible is God’s Great Redemption Story
This passage reveals a profound tension in God’s redemptive narrative.
The scene in the redemption narrative is this:
Jesus has been teaching about God’s Kingdom.
At the beginning of the chapter he teaches about the equality of God’s kingdom.
He then follows that up by speaking about what will usher in that Kingdom which is His death. The text right before ours says this “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem He told his disciples that He will be betrayed to the chief priest and scribe and ultimately be put to death (Matthew 20:17-19). This was the third and final prediction of His coming suffering, death and resurrection. He no longer was speaking in parables but He conveyed a simple clear truth – “The Son of Man must die, and on the third day He will be raised up”
So that sets us up to this verse our transition point.. it is now a time for the disciples “to show what you have been learned” so to speak and what we see is they have still not grasped the concept of humilty, they were still holding on to worldly view of power and prestige or status and honor.
When we look at our Lord Jesus and His redemption story we see that our Lord walk is in contrast to what the world does. This also highlight for us our own struggles with pride and ambition.
Gods great story teaches us greatness and glory comes through us being obedient and serving not through position and status.
Jesus will even go on to say this great truth and then demonstrate it on the cross — “He did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” – Matthew 20:28
You see at the fall creation was turned on its head and now and our Lord came to turn it right side up and show us that to live in His kingdom is contrary to our sinful inclination and invites us into a new way of live which is to serve others! and not ourselves and seeking fame, status and power is not our aim.
Theme: The peril of position-seeking in God’s kingdom
Lesson: Worldly ambition blinds us to Christ’s call to servanthood
Redemptive Connection: Christ modeled the opposite of position-seeking through His sacrificial service
Exegetical Theme: Jesus confronts the request of James and John’s mother, revealing their misunderstanding of what it means to be great in His kingdom.
Timeless Truth: God calls His people to pursue humble service rather than positions of honor, following Christ’s example of sacrificial love.
Introduction
Have you ever caught yourself angling for recognition while claiming to serve others? We live in a world that is so proud and egoistical, that people are always vying to push and promote themselves no matter the cost. They are a ton of “How to get rich”, “How to be a boss or boss-lady”, “10 Tips to be your own boss”, these. “How to be healthy, how to be successful , how to be rich” type videos and materials that are all being pushed. Sadly some of this culture has also infiltrated Christianity and we fall victim sometimes of this same lesson that the Lord is trying to teach us.
There’s something deeply uncomfortable about the scene in Matthew 20, when we zoom in and as if we are being honest we sometimes are like these brothers and mother. The awkwardness of this scene is because it follows immediately after Jesus predicts His suffering and death. One could imagine that they would be a sadness of the impending death of our Lord but that is not what we see, we see a group of people looking for elevation like a shark circling blood. James and John’s mother approaches Him seeking prestigious positions for her sons. We must do well to recognize ourselves in this moment?. We too can pursue spiritual status while missing the heart of Christ’s kingdom.
The problem with this request was the timing and also the missed opportunity of learning what our Lord had been teaching about kingdom values. Their ambition revealed the ugly truth of a hearts that can be so motivated and captured by the worlds view of things, rather on how our Lord call to a humble services things. We all struggle with this tension at points in our life, seeking positions rather than pursuing Christ’s pattern.
Scripture consistently warns against such pride. The book of proverbs warns “a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked is sin” (Prov. 21:4). James teaches us “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). The disciples’ request in light of Jesus teaching is one of contrast as he said that “the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). Our ambition gets the better of us at times and blinds us of God’s overall mission to redeem the lost.
You must be able to identify these four heart postures to ensure your service reflects the values of Christ’s kingdom and not the ambition of the world:
- The danger of position-seeking
- The blindness of spiritual ambition
- The path of sacrificial service
- The glory of Christ-like humility
The first heart posture we must examine is the danger of position-seeking. When we fixate on titles and recognition, we lose sight of what God’s pattern and plan for the matters for Christ’s kingdom.
Devotional Body
The Danger of Position-Seeking
The request in todays passage reveals how easily we can buy what the world is selling as a means of success. The mother knew that Jesus had power and she wanted her boys to be right there next to Him when they enter into the Lord’s kingdom. Her request was to our Lord saying do not worry about anybody else the two closes seat next to you place them there. In Mark’s Gospel even goes into more detail it depicts them saying this in Mark 10:35–36 “We want You to do for us whatever we ask of You”. This is reminiscent of that game a child plays when they want to get something from their parent, before the child even ask you what it is they want they say some version of this “promise me that you will grant me it” That is what they said in essence to our Lord.
The danger and tragedy of this request is it came immediately after Jesus had predicted His suffering and death, this showed a complete disconnect between what He was about to do His redemptive plan and their ambitions.
We must always remember that God has always been about redeeming a people who would reflect His values rather than those of the world. In Exodus 6:7, God declares, “Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God.” This redemptive purpose involves us being transformed in to the image of Our God. Another reminder in that our ambitions must change is found in the reason God gave Himself, in Titus 2:14 it reminds us that Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Good deeds for our Lord not for ourselves, the focus is not on position, status, or prestige but on purity, purpose and obedience. As 1 Peter 2:9 states, we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession,” once again it speaks of us being own by God, we are not to jostle or position to elevate ourselves but it tells us we should be looking to proclaim the excellencies of Christ who called us.
Key Takeaways:
- Position-seeking reveals we have a misconception of the nature of Christ’s kingdom. We are still basing our life in the fallen reality verse the restored reality of Christ.
- God is redeeming a people who are to value service over status
- Our identity in Christ should lead to proclamation of His excellencies and not promotion of our excellencies.
The second heart posture we must recognize is the blindness of spiritual ambition. When we pursue our own advancement, we become blind to what Christ is really doing.
The Blindness of Spiritual Ambition
You know sometimes when you are driving and there is a blind spot? Spiritual ambition creates a blindspot. The same way how we have blindspot mirrors on our cars, we need to use God’s Word to free of from blindspots. When we take our eyes from off our Lord Jesus and fix it on our ambitions we become like James and John, we forget that our life is support to be one of suffering for our Lord sake and not focusing on advancement. The Lord can very well elevate us in this world , but let Him do that rather than we falling in to temptation perusing it. Self-interest has the tendency to cloud our spiritual perception as we take our eyes of the eternal prize and place it on a temporal prize. What a tragedy that can. be.
As we fix our eyes on Jesus we see that God redeemed us by His Son who was far from ambitious but whose will was to do the will of the Father who sent Him (John 6:38). John 3:16 highlights this sacrifice, and it was done on the behalf of sinners not for any status. Ephesians 1:7 declares, “In Him we have redemption through His blood,” this show us that our redemption came through Christ’s humiliation, but that was not the end of the story. Our Lord although He died and was mocked He was exalted in His resurrection and He will come as an exalted King in the future. And every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord (Phil 2:8-11)
The disciples’ blindness prevented them from seeing that Jesus was about to demonstrate true greatness through sacrifice. Our pray and task then must to learn from them and not be blinded by the shiny toys of this world. Let us not let our ambition blind us and cause us to be unable to perceive the redemptive work unfolding before us.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual ambition blinds us to Christ’s example of sacrificial service and His call for us to understand then walk like Him.
- Our redemption came through Christ’s humiliation, not His exaltation
- We may often seek positions of honor while Christ calls us to paths of sacrifice, let us no be spiritual blind to it.
The third heart posture we must recognize is the path of sacrificial service. Christ redeemed us not just by His Son but for His Son, calling us to reflect His servant heart.
The Path of Sacrificial Service
Jesus redirects the disciples’ ambition toward service rather than status. He tells them You do not know what you are asking – Matthew 20:22-23 and the redirects them the way of the kingdom one of serving. He tells them may it not be so among you compared to the world who lord their position of power over you. Matthew 20:26-27.
This redirection from Jesus aligns with God’s purpose that we be redeemed for His Son, reflecting Christ’s character.
Colossians 1:16 reminds us that “all things have been created through Him and for Him,” establishing that our purpose is to live for Christ. It does not say “we were created through Him and For Us” but we were created through Him and for Him”. Jesus gently corrected His disciples, not with rebuke, but with a call to imitate Him. Another reminder for us that we are redeemed not to compete for rank, but to serve one another in love.
The path of sacrificial service is one that follows Christ’s example rather than seeking worldly recognition. Jesus would later go on to wash His disciples’ feet, demonstrating that greatness in His kingdom comes through serving, not being served (Matthew 20:28) Our walk must be in contrast to James and John we must learn the lesson from them and see that “We must measure greatness by the towel, not the throne.“
Key Takeaways:
- We are redeemed to reflect Christ’s servant heart, not to pursue positions. The last shall be first; the greatest is the least (Matthew 23:11–12).
- Our identity as Christ’s bride calls us to devotion, not self-promotion.
- True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service- Who ever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave (Matthew 20:27)
The fourth heart posture we must recognize is the glory of Christ-like humility. So far, we’ve seen how position-seeking, spiritual ambition, and sacrificial service shape our response to God’s kingdom. But there is one more that draws point to the final part of God redemptive plan, all of this is for His Own Glory.
The Glory of Christ-like Humility
The ultimate purpose of our redemption is God’s glory. When we embrace Christ-like humility, we fulfill this purpose, when we reflect His character rather than seeking our own advancement, we glorify our Lord.
Isaiah 43:7 declares that God created us “for My glory,” establishing our fundamental purpose for existence. Ephesians 1:12 states that we exist “to the praise of His glory,” showing that our lives should direct attention to God, not ourselves. Revelation 7:12 portrays the heavenly worship where all declare, “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever,” God alone deserves exaltation, when we seek out elevate ourselves and not God we rob Him of the glory that is to be ascribe to Him.
Christ-like humility glorifies God by demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel. When we choose service over status, when we say “I will not play Satans game to be elevated in this world” when we act like this we show that God’s kingdom operates by different principles than that of the world’s kingdoms. Jesus would later tell the disciples, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:26), this kingdom principle is a paradox and can only make sense when you are redeemed. The unredeem way of the world is upside down, the Lord kingdom and principles have always been there from eternity and they are right side up.
Key Takeaways:
- God redeemed us ultimately for His own glory
- Christ-like humility reflects God’s rightside-up kingdom values verses the upside-down worldly values.
- When we choose service over status, we fulfill our chief purpose of glorifying God
Application Framework
What This Teaches Us About God’s Kingdom
God’s kingdom operates with values opposite to worldly kingdoms. While the earthly systems reward self-promotion, and status-seeking, and looking out for yourself mentality. God’s kingdom exalts those who humble themselves, the path to greatness is through submission. Jesus doesn’t condemn the natural desire for significance but redirects it toward service rather than status. True greatness in God’s kingdom comes:
- Not through position, status, prestige but through sacrifice ,suffering, servanthood.
- Not through being served but through serving others.
Let This Stir Your Heart
Consider how often we disguise our selfish ambition as spiritual service. We may volunteer for visible roles, seek recognition for our contributions, or feel slighted when others receive attention we believe we deserve. The disciples’ request should prompt us to look in the mirror like James tells us to do the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) and do a self-examination. Ask ourselves this Are we serving to be seen or serving because we’ve been transformed by Christ’s example? Let your heart be stirred by the contrast between your natural desire for recognition and Christ’s willingness to empty Himself completely.
Living the Truth We Speak
Practically responding to this passage means:
- Embracing behind-the-scenes service opportunities without seeking recognition
- Celebrating others’ successes without feeling diminished
- Evaluating your motives when volunteering for visible ministry roles
- Practicing daily acts of service that only God will see
- Confessing status-seeking tendencies in prayer, asking God to transform your ambitions
Q: Is all ambition wrong for Christians?
A: No, but majority of the time it is misplaced. Paul speaks of wanted to please God (2 Corinthians 5:9) and to preach Christ where He hasn’t been named (Romans 15:20). That was where His heart was. While all are not called to ministry all are called to carry out the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). The problem isn’t really ambition itself but it ambition that only seeks the good for one person and that person surely isn’t God but yourself. . Godly ambition focuses on advancing Christ’s kingdom, doing the work we have been called to not elevating or promoting our own agenda.
Q: How can I tell if I’m serving for the right reasons?
A: To a pulse test. Check how you really feel when you do something but do not get any recognition. Is there something in you that become woe is me? Do you feel like I not even going bother to do this anymore? Do you do things so that you may get credit? Or are you just trying to do what the Lord has called you to do? Ask yourself the true question would you be willing to continue serving if no one ever knew about your contribution. Ask yourself whether you are more concern about and outcome that recognizes and bring glory to you verse one that glorifies God?
Q: What about leadership roles in the church? Should Christians never seek positions of influence?
A: Scripture affirms that desiring leadership can be good (1 Timothy 3:1), but the question must be why do you want to be a leader? Do you understand that being a leader is hard work , being a leader means you must serve others? It is not about status but it is about wanting what God wants to be a loving shepherd who cares and serves His Sheep.. Leadership in God’s kingdom is always servant leadership, focused on building others and pointing them to God’s word rather than elevating yourself and pointing to your words and accomplishments.
Q: How did James and John eventually demonstrate they learned this lesson?
A: Both became servant leaders in the early church. James was the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2), so he did share in His sufferings as predicted by Christ (Phil 3:10) . John, who once sought a throne, was exiled to the island of Patmos, and later identified himself simply as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” He didn’t even bother to identify His name. They eventually learnt the lesson that Jesus is ultimately the one who deserves mentioned and credit, but it was not found in their own strength or but the strength of the Spirit.
Reflection Questions
How does today’s study fit into the theme of the Bible?
This passage reveals that without our saviour and the Holy Spirit we will be just like the world which is run on the principle of self-centered ambitions. This passage teaches us how Christ models and enables a superior way of living, which is focused on service rather than status. It also demonstrates how God is redeeming a people whose values are meant to reflect His kingdom rather than earthly kingdom which is ran by Satan.
What does this passage reveal about Christ?
This passage shows us Christ’s patience and compassion with His disciples’ misunderstanding, It also teaches us about His commitment to teaching kingdom values, and foreshadows His ultimate act of service through His sacrificial death. It also ultimately reveals how Jesus goes against the statous quo and our cultures understanding of what it truely means to be great. Jesus teaches us that our understanding of greatness is through service.
How did the original audience need to respond?
The disciples needed to abandon worldly notions of getting ahead of others by any means necessary, which was an incorrect view of greatness. They were to embrace Christ’s teaching that true greatness comes through humbling service. They needed to confess their pride and ambition, realigning their hearts with Christ’s kingdom values.
Application Steps
- Identify one area where you’ve been seeking recognition rather than serving humbly.
- Find an opportunity to serve someone this week in a way that will go unnoticed by others.
- Pray for God to reveal any hidden ambitions that may be driving your spiritual activities.
- Practice celebrating others’ successes and contributions without comparing yourself.
- Meditate on Philippians 2:5-11, asking God to form Christ’s humble mindset in you.
Final Meditation
God’s Word – The rightside-Up Kingdom
Matthew’s Gospel consistently presents Jesus establishing kingdom values that contradict worldly wisdom. From the Beatitudes to this moment, Jesus teaches that:
- “The first shall be last” – Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30
- “The humble shall be exalted” – Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14
- “The servant shall be greatest” – Matthew 20:26–27; Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:35; Luke 22:26–27
His words challenge our natural inclinations and call us to a radically different understanding of greatness. It reminds us that we cannot be elevated in God’s Kingdom by selfish human ambitions.
God’s Works – The Servant King
Christ demonstrated the ultimate example of service through His incarnation, ministry, and crucifixion. Philippians 2 reminds us that though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. His work of redemption came not through claiming His rightful throne but through surrendering to a cross.
God’s Character – The Humble Lord
This passage reveals God’s heart for humility and service. Though all glory and honor rightfully belong to Him, Christ modeled humble service rather than demanding recognition. His response to the disciples shows His patience with our misunderstanding and His commitment to transforming our hearts to reflect His values.
Final Prayer
Father we asked that you forgive us for the times we’ve disguised ambition as service and sought positions rather than pursuing Your pattern. Transform our hearts to value what You value and to find joy in serving rather than being served. Help us to recognize when we’re motivated by pride and to choose the path of humility instead. May our lives reflect and model Your Son’s pattern when He was here on this earth, and we He taught us so clearly about Your kingdom values, bringing glory not to ourselves but to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Conclusion – The Bible You Hold Tells This Story Clearly
- The Old Testament says: “There is a Promised Seed who will come” – We see humanity’s desperate need for a Saviour who would perfectly embody and submit to the Father’s divine plan.
- The Gospels declare: “The Promised Seed has Come” – Jesus Christ comes as the God-Man who demonstrates for us perfect obedience and humility, offering His life as the ultimate act of submission for sinners.
- Acts shows: “The Promised Seed reigns through His people.” – It shows The explosive growth of the Church as ordinary persons are indwelt by Him to live under His Lordship and spreads His will on earth.
- The Epistles teach: “The Path Revealed how we are to live in Christ” – The Redeemed Church is called to live for Christ and reflect Christ’s humility and reflect God’s glory.
- Revelation promises: “The Perfect Completion – The Promised Seed will Come Again in Glory.” – Every Knee Shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. When our King returns, those who surrender their lives to Christ will share in His ultimate victory and eternal Glory.
Throughout Scripture, we see this consistent message: God’s kingdom operates by different values than the world’s kingdoms. While James and John sought positions of honor, Jesus was preparing to demonstrate true greatness through sacrificial service. Their request reveals our own struggle with pride and ambition, even as we follow Christ. Let us we learn from their mistake, let us embrace Christ’s call to servanthood rather than seeking after positions. As we reflect and as we grow in spiritual maturity, let our ambition be redirected toward God’s plan and advancing His kingdom. Let us meditate on this truth: True greatness comes not through being served but like our Lord through serving others in His name.