20Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

21“What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered. (Matthew 20:20-22)

Thoughts: Not only is the question an inappropriate one, the timing makes it even more inappropriate.  Jesus just finished talking about going to Jerusalem to die a sacrificial death.  This mother gathered her two boys and the three of them asked Jesus to grant them a high religious position.  His response was basically, "are you willing to die too?"  Jesus was offering them the glory and reward of a martyr (the cup he would drink is the martyrs cup).  I don't think that the mother had that in mind when she was asking Jesus for a position in his kingdom.  

People naturally want popularity, power and position.  We want to be honored above others.  But in Jesus' kingdom the honor goes to those who honor God with sacrifice.  Our fulfillment is not found in popularity, power, or position.  Our joy is found in honoring God- even if that means our lives.  Any honor we get by doing that is merely secondary.  It is a real joy to have a purpose- something to live and die for (besides ourselves).  In heaven the twelve around the throne cast their crowns down before Him.  Our reward is found in His glory- not ours.  To many this is weird.  The way of life is in sacrifice.  The way of hope is in death to self.  The way of joy is in giving ourselves to others in unconditional love.  

Prayer: Lord, let me honor you above all others, and above my own self-fulfillment.  May by true fulfillment come in fulfilling your purpose in me.