Matthew 20:20-28

A Mother’s Request

Because of their standing in society, a motherly woman’s intercession was often more

than a man’s direct petition for himself.

In Mrs. Zebedee’s request, the problem wasn’t her objective. The problem was its

.

Drinking The Cup

“Drinking the cup” is language about

.

We know that ultimately,

was martyred by King Herod in Acts 12 and

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was exiled in Revelation 1. In that sense they did drink the cup.

Jesus leaves open the question: Who is

to be at his right and left hand when he comes in glory?

It wasn’t for him to

.

Indignant Disciples

The

of the ten provided an opportunity to talk about kingdom

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.

For the Jewish listeners, to point to Gentile behavior was to point to the

possible example. Specifically, Jesus is talking about the nature of our relationship with

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.

Gentile mindset: When it comes to power, you

all you can and use it to your advantage.

Kingdom mindset: Whoever wants to be great must become like a

.

To be a “servant” most often meant to provide a personal service, serving food or drink.

To Give His Life as a Ransom

We are caught up in a

situation.

Paying a ransom meant freeing either a slave or a prisoner of war through a transaction involving both

and a

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agreement.

“

” points bluntly to hopelessness, necessity, and the problem of sin.

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and

.” - Deitrich Bonhoeffer

For Jesus to talk openly about his death helps us to know:
1. His violent death was God’s

, and not an accident
2. Jesus wasn’t a hapless victim, but a knowing

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in the Divine strategy

What do you want?

Our goal is to serve God in a way that is worthy of special

on the day we stand before him.

Discussion Questions for Life Groups:

1. Have you ever prayed for something that God didn’t give you? Later, have your feelings about God’s response ever shifted?
2. Not every time we “drink the cup” in our life has to do just with how we die, but often with a certain path we choose to walk. What are some “cups” you’ve seen people drink from well?
3. What is different to you about Jesus paying your ransom, as opposed to him simply being a skilled giver of life advice?

A Preacher’s Request

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