Former Blackout Artist

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “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.” – Matthew 20:20-21

We take pride in our children, don’t we? Sometimes we see it on bumper stickers: “My son is an honor student at ______ Academy.” Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being proud of our children. But there are limits.

And in Matthew 20:20-21, we see a mother’s pride going well beyond its rightful limits. The mother of James and John, driven by a natural human desire for prominence and prestige for her two sons, has made a bold request of Jesus. She wants her sons to have the highest places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. Now…. It’s easy to read this and think, “How presumptuous!” Yet if we’re honest, don’t we sometimes harbor the same ambition? Don’t we, too, crave recognition, success, or a place of importance?

This moment in Scripture reveals a critical truth: the path of following Jesus isn’t about self-promotion, but rather self-denial.

Jesus’ response to the Zebedee brothers (v.22) is both gentle and piercing. He asks them, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” He’s pointing them to the cross – the ultimate symbol of sacrifice, humility, and surrender. The cup Jesus speaks of is not one of glory, but of suffering, service, and submission to God’s will. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by status or applause but by a willingness to serve others and surrender to God’s plan.

As men and women called by Christ, we face the same challenge today. Our world celebrates self-seeking ambition, encouraging us to chase personal glory and recognition. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard: “Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This means abandoning our agendas, laying down our pride, and seeking first the kingdom of God. It’s a call to serve others without expecting applause, to love without demanding reciprocation, and to trust God’s plan even when it leads through difficulty.

So today, ask yourself: Where am I seeking my own honor instead of God’s?

Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any self-seeking motives and to fill you with a passion for God’s kingdom. Then, look for one practical way to serve someone today – whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a quiet act of love. As you do, you’ll find that the joy of living for His glory far surpasses any fleeting honor or prestige the world could ever offer you.