Matthew 20:20-34
Q.1. Who asked for special honours from Jesus? What did their response to Him reveal? Could Jesus grant their request? How did the other disciples react? Why? – (Mt.20:20-24 c.f. Mk.10:35-41)
Matthew told us that the mother of James and John, accompanied by her sons, knelt before Jesus, and requested special honours for them (Mt.20:20). Contrary to appearances, she was a faithful follower and supporter of Jesus to the end (c.f. Mt.28:56; Lk.8:2-3; Acts 1:4). Jesus knew that they had no idea of what they were asking, even though they claimed that they would be true to Him even to death (Mt.20:22 c.f. Mt.26:31 & 56). Jesus explained – … 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 (Mt.20:23). Special honours are not ours for the asking but are granted by God on the basis of His righteous determination. Upon – hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers (Mt.20:24). They were upset that the brothers had requested this first. Jesus used this teachable moment to clarify His style of leadership.
Q.2. How did Jesus contrast His leadership style with the world’s? How should believers lead? How did Jesus model leadership? What was odd about His leadership style? – (Mt.20:25-28)
The leadership of Jesus contrasted sharply with that of the world. Most people with power and authority are prone to lord over others (Mt.20:25 c.f. Lk.22:25). Jesus was looking for very different leadership – 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 (Mt.20:26-27). Jesus is almighty God and has no rivals. Yet – the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mt.20:28). Not only did He model servanthood, but He also paid the ransom price for the sins of the world.
Q.3. Who was in the crowd outside Jericho? What did the two blind men want? What drew the attention of Jesus to them? How did He heal them? Why? – (Mt.20:29-34 c.f. Mk.10:46-52)
Jesus was in the midst of a noisy, clamouring crowd. However, He heard the faintest cry. When these blind men cried out for mercy, Jesus stopped. What other dignitary would stop for such dirty, blind beggars – Jesus did. (Mt.20:32 c.f. Mk.10:49; Lk.18:40). Possibly He did not initially hear the two blind beggars crying – … Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! (Mt.20:30). However, the commotion caused by the crowd trying to silence them got His attention (Mt.20:31). Jesus stopped in His tracks and asked what the blind men wanted from Him. They requested that He might give them back their sight (Mt.20:32-33). It is recorded that Jesus acted because He was – Moved with compassion, so Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him (Mt.20:34). He touched their diseased eyes, and they followed Him rejoicing.