What does Matthew 20:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:21 presents an exchange between Jesus and the mother of James and John, two of his disciples.

In this passage, she is expressing a bold request for her sons to be granted positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom – specifically, that they might sit on his right and left sides.

These positions are traditionally seen as places of significant status and authority.

The mother appears to be seeking assurance that her sons will have these prominent roles when Jesus establishes His rule.

At a deeper level, this interaction highlights common human desires for prestige and power, as well as a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is not about earthly power but rather spiritual and moral leadership.

The forthcoming response of Jesus, which is not included in this specific verse but follows in the text, emphasizes a counter-cultural message of servant leadership and the sacrificial nature of discipleship.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in the first century AD, a time when Messianic expectations among the Jewish people were high.

Many Jews anticipated a political and military leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore the kingdom of David. Matthew's audience would have been familiar with this expectation and might have projected it onto Jesus.

In this historical context, the mother's request reflects a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.

Her concept of the kingdom likely involved political power and glory, which contrasts with Jesus' teachings of a spiritual kingdom marked by humility and service.

Such a misunderstanding might also reflect the ambitions and social norms of the time, where a family's honor and status were of considerable importance.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, Matthew 20:21 has been interpreted in various ways.

Some key theological insights include:

• A Misunderstanding of the Kingdom: The request reveals a misconception about the nature of Jesus' kingdom.

It emphasizes the need to avoid worldly ambition when following Christ.

• Leadership and Servitude: The later verses express that the highest honor in Jesus' kingdom is found in servitude, prompting a reflection on how Christian leaders should serve their communities.
• The Sovereignty of God: The mother's request suggests an attempt to assert human control over divine decisions, reminding believers of God's ultimate sovereignty in assigning roles within His kingdom.

Different traditions within Christianity may place varying emphases on this verse, but many agree that it serves as a correction to the human pursuit of power and a call to follow Jesus' example of humble service.

Practical Applications

Practically, Matthew 20:21 can be applied in several ways, including:

• Humility in Leadership: Christian leaders are encouraged to adopt a humble approach, prioritizing service over authority.
• Parental Hopes: Parents can be inspired to desire for their children not merely worldly success but also a character shaped by Christlike servitude.
• Ambitions: Believers are reminded to align their personal ambitions with the values of the kingdom of God, favoring selflessness over self-promotion.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:37: "They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory."
• Luke 22:24-27: "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."
• Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
• Matthew 23:11-12: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• Βασιλεία (Basileia): Often translated as "kingdom," it refers to the reign or rule of a king, and by extension, the spiritual reign of God in Christian theology.
• Δεξιὰ (Dexia) and εὐώνυμος (Euonymos): "Right" and "left" respectively, in a literal sense, but also symbolically representing places of honor and authority.
• Ἱκανεί (Hikanoei): Translated "Grant," carrying a sense of making something possible or permitting it.

These words help to convey the mother's request for her sons to be given high honor and authority in what she anticipates will be Jesus' royal and powerful kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as those of Rome or Egypt, positions at the right and left hand of a ruler were also significant, often reserved for trusted advisors or family members.

The request in Matthew 20:21 echoes similar desires for prestige seen across various cultural and religious traditions.

In the broader religious context, this quest for proximity to the divine ruler is somewhat analogous to the positions of deities or demigods in various mythologies who occupy privileged places in their respective pantheons.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, as it deals with aspects of human social structure and religious belief.

However, the fields of psychology and sociology could offer insights into the human desire for status and recognition, which is a central theme in this passage.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer a range of interpretations about this verse. Generally, they emphasize the inappropriateness of the request, highlighting the disciples' and their mother's lack of understanding of Jesus' mission.

Some scholars focus on the cultural assumptions of the time, which linked honor and power to proximity to rulers.

Contemporary commentaries often use this verse to discuss misguided ambition among Christians and the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings on leadership and greatness.

They might also explore the role of parental expectations in shaping the aspirations of their children, particularly in a faith context.