TWO STORIES OF TWO MEN

In Matthew 20, we have back-to-back stories that send a message simply by the order in which they are recorded.

First, in verses 17-19, Jesus - for the third time - predicts His death.  Notice the details that He includes:

Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.  They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.  On the third day he will be raised to life!"

I wonder how this announcement hit Judas?  

I wonder why the disciples didn't seem to hear these words, even though He repeated them at least three times?  Was it just too far-fetched to be credible?  

The next words that Matthew includes tell of 

...the mother of Zebedee's sons who came with her sons and kneeling down, asked a favor of Jesus..."Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."   [vs.20-21]

Interestingly, Mark's gospel leaves the mother out and simply has the two coming to Jesus with this request. 

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.  [v.24]

 Jesus' response to this dissension was curt and to-the-point:   

"...whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave..."  [vs.26-27]

We're given no indication of how James and John reacted to Jesus' words.  Were they grieved?   Did they feel corrected?  How about the other ten?  Were they able to get past the grandiose appeal for favor?  

I find it most interesting to observe the report that immediately follows this - ending the chapter.  Here's a synopsis of the story.

As Jesus and His disciples left Jericho along with a large crowd, two blind men were sitting by the roadside and heard that Jesus was passing by.  They shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"  The crowd tried to shut them up, but they shouted all the louder!  [vs.29-31]

Jesus stopped and called them.  "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.  "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him.  [vs.32-34]

The contrast between these TWO STORIES OF TWO MEN is remarkable!  

In the first story we have two men who are on the inside, but want more.  James and John walked with Jesus everyday, ate with Him, witnessed His miracles and healings, and heard His teachings.  But this was not enough - they wanted to share His glory!

In the second story we have two men who are on the outside, and just want their sight. They hear the name JESUS, and their hope rises;  they won't be shut up!  Jesus turns His eye toward them and asks what they want.  He then restores their sight.  They follow Him!

________________________________________

Interesting.  The first two men - disciples of Jesus - didn't get what they asked for.  The second two men - despised and rejected - did get what they asked for.  

At the beginning of this blog, Jesus spoke, but His devoted followers didn't seem to hear Him.  But Jesus ALWAYS hears those who are among His followers AND those who are not among His followers!  

Oh Lord!

         As one of Your followers, help me not to feel entitled;  not to seek recognition that I don't deserve.

Help me to hear and believe You when You speak and to use wisdom and good judgment as I seek to fit into Your plans 

Most of all, help me to be a genuine follower, not one who is just in it for the perks!

For the Kingdom's sake.  Amen.