Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 20:22

"But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able." — Matthew 20:22 (ASV)

Jesus’ answer is not severe but mingles firmness with probing. It is often ignorance that seeks leadership, power, and glory; the brothers do not now what they are asking. To ask to reign with Jesus is to ask to suffer with him; and not only do they not know what they are asking for (cf. 10:37–39), they have as yet no clear perceptions of Jesus’ sufferings. To ask for worldly wealth and honor is often to ask for anxiety, temptation, disappointment, and envy; and in the spiritual arena to ask for great usefulness and reward is often to ask for great suffering (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23–33; Colossians 1:24; Revelation 1:9). On the word “cup,” see comments on Mk 10:38; 14:35–37.