Matthew 20:17-34 “Going Up to Jerusalem”

Over the past 3 1/2 months we have been on the road with Jesus…a series called “The King’s Road of Preparation” which spanned from Matt 16:13 through Matt 20.

In this series Jesus has been preparing His disciples to understand who He is, that He will die and rise again, and He has been teaching them through various questions and encounters.

From Caesarea Philippi... to the Mount of Transfiguration…to Capernaum…to Perea…and then up to Jerusalem one final time…which we observe today.

From Chapter 17 to 19, many teaching moments came from various questions Jesus fielded:

The Tax Collectors asked, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”

The Disciples asked, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Peter asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

The Pharisees asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”

The rich young ruler asked, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

And, Peter asked, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”

Over the past 7 weeks, we’ve looked at these questions and how Jesus used these questions as teaching opportunities for His disciples, as they travel to Jerusalem…as the cross looms in the background.

And, today, 3 more lessons for the disciples as they are “Going Up to Jerusalem” which is our sermon title today.

Let’s Pray!

Matt 20:17-19 “Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold [big moment], we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”

Notice the use of the word “and”...Eastern writing styles use the word “and” like we (“western style”) use a “period” to break up sentences and thoughts.

Picture this scene. Jesus and the disciples beginning the ascent to Jerusalem and Jesus pauses for a moment…pulls the disciples aside…practically speaking to get out of the way for the many Jewish pilgrims going to Jerusalem for Passover, but also for a teaching moment to help them understand the gravity of what is upcoming…betrayal…trials…Gentile, specifically Roman, mocking, scourging, and crucifixion…and then resurrection.

The prediction of Jesus’ death and resurrection is significant because it affirms that everything else He said was true. If Jesus said He was going to die and rise again, but He did not…then how could we believe He could save us…or His deity statements…or promises of everlasting life?

Jesus predicted or alluded to His death and resurrection in each of His three years of ministry... and the message was consistent.

To predict death is one thing, but to predict rising again... and to have over 500 eyewitnesses…that’s divine.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ elevates Christianity as the one true faith. NO other religious leader predicted their death and resurrection…and saw it come to pass.

Muhammed is dead. Buddha is dead. Confucius is dead. Joseph Smith is dead. But, in Israel…there is an empty tomb. Jesus is alive!

In previous chapters, when Jesus made these predictions... the disciples were recorded as... “sorrowful”... not understanding…afraid…Peter even rebuked Jesus.

But, here in Matt 20, the disciples have no recorded response. Perhaps, they were overwhelmed because for the first time, Jesus now predicts death by crucifixion at Gentile hands. Matt 20:19 is the first time in the NT the word “crucify” is mentioned.

Crucifixion was not merciful like a beheading. It was the most torturous Roman death penalty.

This was a lot to take in. But the disciples would later remember and understand, OT prophecies written about Jesus, or His predictions and all this would impact their hearts.

So, while the topic is heavy…the teaching moment is sweet. Jesus pauses everything to prepare and teach them.

He is going up to Jerusalem…to fulfill numerous prophecies…to be the sacrificial lamb of God…to redeem mankind…the most important events in human history, and he pauses…and pulls the disciples aside to prepare their hearts.

This is the God we serve. Right now, there are huge end times events unfolding before our eyes, but He is still going to take moments for you. God loves you and will take you aside for teaching moments…for what lies ahead.

Twice in these verses we read, “going up to Jerusalem” which I chose as the sermon title because of the spiritual significance of this moment. The Bible has been building up to this moment…the redemption of mankind is in sight.

For Jews, going up to Jerusalem for Passover was also a spiritual ascent. Going up to Jerusalem was a time of joy and celebration…they would sing Psalms 120-134 which are each called, “A Song of Ascents.”

And, quite literally, they were “going up to Jerusalem” because you climb in elevation.

To help you picture this strenuous trek, I have two slides of elevation profiles from Jericho to Jerusalem. Jericho is roughly -846 ft below sea level and Jerusalem is about 2557 ft above sea level.

If you recall, Jesus and the Disciples were coming from Perea which means they crossed through the “Dead Sea Depression” (about 1,355 feet below sea level (and the lowest land point on earth)), so from the depths of the Dead Sea Depression to Jerusalem... about a 3900 foot climb… “going up to Jerusalem.”

Starting in V20, Jesus and the disciples are somewhere around Jericho, and Jesus is approached by the Mother of James and John…

Matt 20:20-21 “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”

Mark 10:35 identifies the “sons of Zebedee” as James and John.

They are titled the “Sons of Thunder” in Mark 3:17 probably for asking to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy the Samaritans who did not receive Jesus. They were part of Jesus’ inner circle...Peter, James, and John.

The mother of Zebedee’s sons was Salome…she was also a disciple…part of a larger group of disciples beyond the 12 apostles.

In Mark 15:40 and 16:1 Salome is named and paired with two women named ‘Mary.’ In Matt 27:56, the two Marys are identified, and the third woman is listed as “the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”

A quick deduction and you get Salome is the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

At the Cross, John identifies four women present, John 19:25 states, “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

It’s presumed by this verse, and church traditions, that “His mother’s sister” was Salome…and if true…this would make Salome Jesus’ Aunt.

Which would make James and John, Jesus’ cousins…

James was known as “James the Greater”… the first Apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2).

John was self-appointed “the disciple Jesus loved” (a very humble title)…He wrote the Gospel of John, 3 epistles, and Revelation.

Starting in V20…Salome approaches Jesus, and I can just imagine a very Jewish interaction…James and John are embarrassed... “Oy vey Mom! Don’t.” Salome replies, “Vhat do you mean, “Don’t? He’s your cousin.”

“Yeshua…let them work for You! They’re Your cousins…they’re good boys. Ya’ know them! They’ll work hard!”

Maybe you don’t picture it this way, but right now your subject to my imagination…because I have the mic.

This is a humorous scene to me…and, I think there’s a lot unsaid when we read the words, “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. [I imagine Jesus give a ‘sigh.’] 21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?”

And, she asks... “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”

She’s asking for the top two positions of honor to be granted to her sons. The “right hand” especially signified honor, prestige, power…

Mark 10:35 records the boys asked Jesus directly, but Salome is part of this interaction as well.

If there request was of pure motivate to be close to Jesus, this would be a good thing. But, based on context it appears the request is motivated in selfish ambition.

In V28 Jesus promised, “...you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones...” Was this not good enough? They not only want a throne, but also special positions of authority.

While Jesus does not commit to this request... what’s interesting is He does not disagree with His kingdom coming. His kingdom is coming, and I know many of you are living in anticipation…watching for the day.

Paul lived in imminency. He knew the present church age was a time to be alert and he encouraged in Rom 13:11-14 “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent [Satan’s reign is coming to a close], the day is at hand. Therefore [As a result of knowing Jesus is coming back] let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry [drinking parties] and drunkenness, not in lewdness [which is sexual immorality] and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

His kingdom is coming. How important for us to daily put on the armor of light? I know many of you are fighting the good fight of faith.

And, I encourage you, as Paul encouraged…Gal 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” …especially to the family of believers.

His kingdom is coming.

Well, back in Matthew…as Salome and her sons request positions of honor... Not fully understanding the implications of their request... Jesus uses this opportunity to correct and teach them…V22...

Matt 20:22 “But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

Jesus first highlights their failure to comprehend what lies ahead… Jesus said, “You do not know what you ask”... highlighting their ignorance.

Trust when God says, “No”... that He knows best. We don’t like ‘No’ as an answer…but, God denies requests that are either not in your best interest -or- when there is a greater purpose -or- not in alignment with His will.

And, this request from Salome and the boys was a ‘No.’

You can feel Jesus’ sternness in His response to them in V22. He understands what is coming…the cross.

Salome and John would soon be eyewitnesses...seeing first hand, what it meant to be on the right and left hand of Christ…as the two thieves hung to His right and left…numbered with the transgressors…body broken…shed blood…mocked…crucified.

This is the cup…this is the baptism He speaks about…it’s pain…sacrifice…death…at the cross where Jesus becomes the sacrificial “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

Baptism by def. means “immersion.” And, Jesus would be fully immersed in suffering and taking on man’s sin.

The cup in scripture is symbolic of judgment and suffering. Isa 51:17 describes the cup as “The cup of His fury…the cup of trembling...” The Psalms, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, Revelation…they all speak about the cup of wrath.

And, there seems to be degrees of judgment in God’s cup of wrath...

For Ex, Ps 75:8 declares, “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down.”

In that Psalm, the cup of wrath is mixed…some scholars think mercy is mixed in.

Contrast this with Rev 14:9-11 “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

During the Tribulation, anyone who receives the mark of the beast will not receive mercy. Judgment will be full strength for all eternity.

Rev 18:6 pictures political and economic Babylon during the tribulation, and we read, “Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.”

A double portion of judgment for political Babylon for all her deception and seduction upon the people of the world.

The disciples felt confident they could bear the cup, and respond in the affirmative, “We are able.”

I think they were more filled with zeal here…like how Peter said he would not deny Jesus. In a few chapters, when many soldiers and religious leaders come to arrest Jesus at Gethsemane, we read, “Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.”

To his credit, only John stayed nearby…John was at the trials and at the crucifixion.

However, after the Holy Spirit came and filled the disciples…then they would stand… and drink the cup their Lord drank.

For James and John specifically...

Of the Apostles, James was the first to die and John the last.

Stephen was the first martyr of the church, but James was first Apostle martyred. Acts 12:1-2 states Herod wanted to harass the church and killed James with the sword.

Tertullian, the early church father, wrote about John’s cup in the book, “The Prescription Against Heretics.”

He wrote, “...the Apostle John was first plunged, unhurt, into boiling oil, and thence remitted to his island-exile!”

No man could touch John... God willed for him to write Revelation...

John’s martyrdom…his cup... was that of a long life. Jesus said to Peter, “If I will that he [John] remain till I come, what is that to you?”

In V23, Jesus confirms they will drink of His cup…

Matt 20:23 “So He said to them, “You will indeed drink 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 is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”

V23 is so interesting because we know Jesus is God, yet He voluntarily submits to the Father…we see this when Jesus says, “…to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give…it is prepared by My Father.”

Jesus makes similar statements of His submission or subservience to the Father elsewhere in scripture:

John 14:28 “…My Father is greater than I.”

John 6:40 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me...”

Matt 11:27 “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father...”

Mark 13:32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Question- “How can Jesus be equal God, after all in Jn 10:30 Jesus said, “I and My Father are one...” Yet, even by His own admission, Jesus states He is subservient to God?

The answer lies in the Doctrine of the Incarnation. Jesus, fully God…the second Person of the Trinity, came in the form of a baby human. Heb 2:9 states He “…was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death...”

When Jesus took on human form, temporarily, he was “made lower that the angels.” This reflects His temporary status, but NOT His essence.

He was always 100% God and 100% man during His earthly ministry…dual natured- the God-man.

Phil 2:5-8 reflects this “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

There was an amazing occurence in the incarnation…Jesus Christ “...made Himself of no reputation...” otherwise translated...He “…emptied Himself...”

What this means... is that while Christ was on earth, He voluntarily relinquished exercising His divine attributes and submitted Himself to the will of the Father.

This is what we observe when we read in V23, “…to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give...”

But, submitting to the Father did not diminish Jesus’ essence as God.

Submission reflected Jesus’ role…His human role to be the sacrificial lamb in order to redeem mankind. But, Jesus has always been God…this is His essence.

For example, if an Army General made a request of a Sergeant…the Sergeant is duty bound to obey. This reflects their roles- General and Sergeant. But, in essence, both are human beings.

The Father instructs the Son, and both Father and Son instruct the Holy Spirit. All have roles…all are God.

Submission does not diminish equality of essence. (Which is a great cross over to marriage…man is not superior to woman in essence, but we do have roles in the marriage relationship).

Jesus taking on human nature did not dismiss His divinity. He was well please to submit to a loving Father but He did have a role, and He is expressing this role in V23 of Matt 20.

Well, the other ten disciples were not too happy, when they saw James, John and their Mommy come make this request of Jesus...

Matt 20:24-28 “And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. [Perhaps a “why didn’t I think of that?” moment. “I should have had my mom ask!”] 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. [dee-ak´-on-os…diakŏnŏs, “minister or deacon”] 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave [dŏulŏs]—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

We are not told why the disciples were “greatly displeased” (by def. “to grieve much” hence indignant). But, contextually... recall, they had been disputing over who would be the greatest. And, now, James and John ask for places of honor in the kingdom.

Could it be... they were simply angry that James and John would attempt a power grab? The ‘oh so’ humble Ten disciples are insulted by this obnoxious request?

Probably not based on their track record... given the context of previous bickering, there’s probably some truth of them being jealous they didn’t think to ask Jesus first.

So, once again, the disciples are arguing. Even worse, arguing on the way to the Passover feast. Arguing in the presence of Jesus!

It’s like getting into an argument with your spouse on your way to church…arguing with other believers at a church function…or arguing while serving. I know none of those things happen at this church, but I heard they happen at other churches in the area.

Listen to me, the disciples are indignant with one another right now, but they work it out. They didn’t divide.

In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas argued over whether John Mark would join them. We read, “the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.” But, later in 2 Tim 4, Paul wrote, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” Contention and Reconciliation.

If the disciples were angry with one another, then in every church it’s gonna happen too. But, the disciples also modeled reconciliation…what we learned in Matt 18. Work it out. Don’t divide. The disciples worked it out.

Jesus, in V25, calls the disciples to Himself…they must have been the slowest pilgrims going up to Jerusalem (this is their second team huddle just on the ascent)…and, in V25, Jesus contrasts Gentile/Roman rule to governance in the Kingdom of God.

Greatness in Rome was characterized by power and authority. They flaunted their power…they were tyrants. Humility was viewed in the negative…as weakness.

Jesus says, “Yet it shall not be so among you...” The disciples needed to move past “who was the greatest”…they needed to stop seeking being seated at Jesus’ right and left.

Remember in Matt 18 when Jesus put a little child in their midst? He said, “...whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:4. Humility was the lesson there, and it’s the lesson again in VSS26-28.

In V27 when Jesus says, “...whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...” this phrase emphasizes humble servant leadership.

The great in Jesus’ kingdom are servant leaders…following in the footsteps of Jesus who served by giving His life. He paid a debt He did not owe…ransoming us from sin…redeeming us. He died and many were ransomed.

The word ransom was commonly used to reflect the price paid to free a slave. A price Jesus paid with His blood.

Isa 53:5 reads “...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

The Son of Man came to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Well, let’s wrap up in VSS 29-34...

Matt 20:29-34 “Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” 32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

Matthew and Mark record Jesus “went out of Jericho.” Luke states, “He was coming near Jericho.”

I have a map that shows Jericho of the OT and Jericho of the NT.

The OT Jericho’s walls fell down in Josh 6 somewhere around 1400 B.C. and for sometime the city sat vacant. That was the home of Jesus’ ancestor Rahab.

Around 825 B.C., in 1 Ki 16:34 we read, “In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho.” This rebuilt Jericho was the same Jesus was going out of in Matt 20, and was mostly abandoned at this time.

Not too far south was the NT Jericho, an attractive city where Herod the Great had built a winter palace. Some call this city “Herod’s Jericho.” This is also the Jericho where Zacchaeus was a Chief Tax Collector…in fact Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus (recorded in Luke 19) immediately follows our encounter here with the blind men.

Somewhere in between the Old and New Jericho is likely where Jesus encounters the blind men.

Matthew records two blind men…Mark and Luke record just one blind man.

Matthew was the only eye witness…Mark and Luke were not there. Regardless, one of the blind men stood out. Mark records his name as, “Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.”

How did he know his name? And, his father’s name?

The thought is he became known. He was a disciple…and this is his testimony of coming to the Lord recorded for all eternity. I believe we will meet Bartimaeus in heaven.

Jesus is one the road, with a “great multitude” following Him…going up to Jerusalem for Passover…people singing songs of Ascents.

These blind men are sitting on the side of the road…which was customary since blind men begged, and a main road during Passover was an opportune location for alms. People are happy. Heading up to Jerusalem to purify themselves. Why not do a good deed and give alms along the way?

Now when you lose one of your senses, your other senses are amplified…and these men can hear an increase in the foot traffic…they sense something unusual…Luke records, “...hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.”

They cry out, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

The blind who had no eyesight had tremendous insight as they cry out to Jesus... rightly calling Him by His messianic title, “Son of David.”

In 2 Sam 7, God established a Covenant with David that from his seed would come the Messiah …the one whom God would “...establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

Jesus not only is a direct physical descent of David, through His genealogies, but He is also the spiritual fulfillment of the Davidic covenant…Jesus is Messiah…the Anointed One…and that is who the blind men are crying out to for mercy.

The crowds attempt to hush the blind me, but they cry out all the more, and who could blame them? Jesus was known for healing the blind…

When John the Baptist doubted, Jesus sent him this message, Matt 11:5-6 “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Partially fulfilling Isa 35:5-6, with total fulfillment in the Millennium.

These blind men have great insight of these things and cry out, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

Mark 10:49-50 supply additional details... “So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.” (you can sense the urgency…the excitement).

I love that Jesus was not too busy to stop for these men. The cross is looming in the background…God’s grand plan for mankind’s redemption is near... but “Jesus stood still.”

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, God’s plan is unfolding before our eyes, but know this... God will stand still for you. He loves you. He’s not to busy to hear you.

And, Jesus wanted to hear the blind men. He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

They didn’t want silver coins, they wanted something more. Jesus, no doubt, knew their deeper desire, but God still wants us to ask.

When you pray, ask and tell God what you want specifically.

V33 “They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion [He was moved internally] and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

The eye is the second most complex organ in the body (next to the brain)…and their eyes did not work…until Jesus touched their eyes.

Nothing is too complex for God’s healing touch. God created the eyes, and He can fix them as well. “Immediately their eyes received sight.”

I imagine the first thing they beheld was the face of Jesus smiling at them. And, everything else they saw, for the rest of their lives, would pale in comparison.

I like how Luke concludes this account, Luke 18:42-43 “Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

Many times after Jesus healed someone, He instructed them to ‘go and tell no one’, because His time had not yet come, but now His time was here. He is going up to Jerusalem…going to the cross…to give His life, so we may live.

These blind men set an example for us…they “...followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

Being a Christian means to follow Jesus and glorify God. Your testimony…like these blind men…should have an impact on the world around you.

When people observe your life and the work the Lord has done in you, they should give praise to God.

Take a walk with that this week.

Let’s pray!

Read ahead…next week “The Triumphal Entry.”

If you need prayer!

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