In the episode in Matthew 20:20-28, the mother of James and John asks Jesus for privileges for her sons: to sit at his right and at his left. This request reveals a vision of an earthly kingdom, where power and human prominence measure worth. How often, like that mother and her sons, do we confuse the reign of Christ with a human throne and project ambitions that have nothing to do with the suffering of the Servant.
Jesus replies sharply: "You do not know what you are asking!" and asks if they can drink the cup that he will drink. To drink the cup and to be baptized with the same baptism as Christ means to share his painful way — persecution, scorn, giving of oneself to the end. The brothers' hasty "We can!" shows how the desire for honor often leads us to take spiritual risks without understanding the real cost of discipleship.
By affirming that the places in the Kingdom belong to the Father and teaching that among his people the greatest is the one who serves, Jesus redefines authority: not domination, but service and self-giving. Christ's path is one of voluntary humiliation that gives life as a ransom; thus, Christian leadership is pastoral, sacrificial, and oriented toward others. Living this in practice requires choosing to serve in small things, bearing the burdens of others, and accepting the possibility of suffering for the gospel.
Examine today your motives: ambition for recognition or a willingness to serve that demands renunciation? Repent of the pursuit of human power, accept participating in Christ's cup in daily life, and trust that the Father, just and wise, reserves what is good. Persevere in serving with humility and courage — drink from the cup, serve your neighbor, and wait in the Father's hands.