A Mother’s Request

Matthew 20:20–23 ESV

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

Matthew 20:21–23 ESV

And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

Introduction: When most of us consider our mothers we are cognizant of the fact that they always want what is best for us. Truth be told our mothers are generally willing to go to great lengths regardless of the situation or circumstance to see us get to where they think we ought to be.

Today our text brings us to this sort of situation with the mother of the disciples James & John. This mother epitomizes the determination of every mother who wants their children to succeed.

DT: There must be choice made by each of us to accept Christ as our Lord. The prayers and influence of others get us often to the door but we must knock.

Aim: We will consider the gracious love and desire of our mothers who prayed and worked so diligently to introduce us to Jesus. We will make Christ our savior.

Transition: Consider the attitude of her request

The Attitude of Her Request

- one of worship of the savior (she came kneeling)

one of prayer to the master

Transition: At least she knew who to go to

Application: Who are you taking your desires to.

Her Request of the Savior

- was selfless

was commendable, because she wanted her sons to be with Jesus. She wanted them to be a part of the Kingdom

Transition:

The Response to Her Request (v.22-23)

Christ spoke to the sons

They could not get in on her merits they needed to make a choice. They had to answer for themselves.

Application: Don’t allow the efforts and prayers of our mothers to be in vain. Answer the call of Christ. Make Him your Savior today.