The Third Prediction of the Passion

Matthew 20:17-28

Gospel READING:

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Gospel Reflection:

In Matthew 20:17-28, Jesus predicts His death and teaches His disciples about true greatness in the kingdom of God. He tells them that He will be betrayed, condemned to death, and crucified, but He will rise again on the third day. This prediction of His death and resurrection is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting His willingness to sacrifice Himself for the salvation of humanity.

Following this prediction, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus, asking Him to grant that her sons sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom. This request reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is not about earthly power or position, but about service and sacrifice. Jesus responds by teaching His disciples about true greatness, stating that whoever wants to be great must be a servant, just as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

This passage challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards greatness and success. Do we seek recognition and position, or are we willing to serve others selflessly, even if it means sacrificing our own desires? Jesus' example of humble service stands in stark contrast to the world's view of greatness, which often values power, wealth, and status.

Moreover, Jesus' teaching about serving others and giving His life as a ransom for many foreshadows His ultimate act of love on the cross. It reminds us of the depth of God's love for us, that He would willingly sacrifice His Son to save us from sin and death.

As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired by Jesus' example of humble service and sacrificial love. May we seek to emulate His life of service, knowing that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others and following His example of love and selflessness.

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