Matthew 20:20-34
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26–28, ESV)
For some, it is a drug. It’s more addictive than heroin and just as destructive. It blinds a person to the needs and feelings of others. It will sacrifice everything for the next fix. It is selfish ambition or pride, and it lurks in the heart of everyone.
The mother of James and John, along with her sons, sought to better their position. She wanted her two boys to sit at the right hand and left of Jesus in His kingdom. When the other disciples heard about her request, they were indignant. Evidently, they were secretly hoping for these positions for themselves. This is the nature of pride, and it is one of the many issues of the heart that defiles a person (Mark 7:20-23).
On the other hand, Jesus had glory with the Father from the beginning, but He emptied Himself to become the Son of Man and the servant of all. He gave His own life as the ransom price to deliver us from the power of the devil and from our own sins. How it must grieve our Lord’s heart when He sees pride manifested in the lives of His saints, for this is the poison by which Satan fell from heaven.
“But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.” (Jeremiah 13:17, ESV)
When Solome, James and John made this foolish request, Jesus did not rebuke them. Rather, He asked them if they were able to drink the cup He was about to drink. This was the cup of His suffering, the cup of God’s wrath against all sin. They said that they were able, so Jesus said that they would indeed drink of this cup.
How many people seek the crown without the cross? How many seek glory for themselves but are unwilling to die to themselves? Let us ask God to search our hearts and rid us of this deadly poison before it takes away our lives. Then let us imitate our Lord and delight ourselves in serving God and others. If we receive no credit or glory now, then our reward will be so much sweeter in heaven!