Matthew 20:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus says they will share his cup and baptism, but the places at his right and left belong to those for whom the Father has prepared them.
What Does Matthew 20:23 Mean?
Jesus accepts the brothers' answer in a way they did not expect: they shall indeed drink of His cup and share His baptism, for suffering will come to them. But the seats of honor, He says, are not His to assign by favor; they belong to those for whom it is prepared of my Father. The Father's appointment, not personal request, settles such things.
The reply is both sobering and freeing. It honors the Father's ordering of all things and lifts the question out of the realm of human jockeying for position. Christ does not promise honors as rewards for ambition; He promises fellowship in His sufferings and leaves the rest in the Father's hands. To follow Jesus is to drink His cup willingly and to trust the Father to give what is fitting, in His own wisdom and time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 20:23
What does Matthew 20:23 mean?
Jesus says they will share his cup and baptism, but the places at his right and left belong to those for whom the Father has prepared them.