20/ Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.
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.”
22/ But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.”
23/ He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
24/ And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers.
25/ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
26/ “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,
27/ and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
28/ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The request of the sons of Zebedee (James and John), made through their mother for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers, nor the other have understood that makes for greatness in the kingdom is not lordly power but humble service. Jesus gives the example and his ministry of service will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin.
The sons of Zebedee abused what Christ said to comfort the disciples. Some cannot have comforts but they turn them to a wrong purpose. Pride is a sin that most easily besets us; it is sinful ambition to outdo others in pomp and grandeur.
Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace; and so is suffering for Christ, for unto us it is given, Php 1:29. But they knew not what Christ's cup was, nor what his baptism.
Those are commonly most confident, who are least acquainted with the cross. Nothing makes more mischief among brethren, than desire of greatness. And we never find Christ's disciples quarrelling, but something of this was at the bottom of it. That man who labours most diligently, and suffers most patiently, seeking to do good to his brethren, and to promote the salvation of souls, most resembles Christ, and will be most honoured by him to all eternity.
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