Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 20:17-19
And
Read Mark 10:32-34
and
Read Luke 18:31-34
Here again, Jesus tells the apostles plainly what will happen in the near future. So, the answer to the question, “Did Jesus know what was going to happen to Him?” is yes. Yes, He did.
Note that Mark tells us that Jesus' followers were afraid to return to Jerusalem.
Luke 18:34 tells us that the disciples did not understand what He was talking about and considered it non-important until after it actually happened.
Read Matthew 20:20-23
and
Read Mark 10:35-40
Now we've had this happen before – two authors tell the same story differently. It may be that one was present and heard the question and the other didn't. Or maybe they were both in the back of the crowd and just heard the rumors about what had happened. But, that's okay. We get the same answer from Jesus regardless of who asked the question.
So, whether it was James and John or their mother, what was the request?
Now, again, I want you to note the timing of this. We don't know how much time is between these two sets of verses – but the immediately preceding verses says that Jesus told them what would happen when they arrive in Jerusalem. The disciples are still thinking in terms of a physical kingdom and the request was that James and John be allowed to be vice-president and secretary of state. Or in royalty, that would be prime minister and commander of the army – or some other royal position.
What was Jesus' reply?
What “cup” was He about to drink? What “baptism” was He about to endure?
Death on the cross.
What does Jesus tell them about their future?
They too will face death because of following Him. But God will determine who gets places of honor – not Jesus.
Now, how would you feel if you overheard your friend, or your friend's mother asking for a place of honor with someone you love. How about if you were in a group – say a Bible study group and one of your friends asked the leader if they could go on vacation with the leader's family. How would you feel?