NOTES for Mat 20:17-28

Thus, for the third time, Jesus speaks openly about His future arrest, condemnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. The words about the Resurrection always sound like a kind of full stop, the end of a sentence. The disciples do not focus their attention on them; they are absorbed in vexed amazement at such an incomprehensible fate for the Messiah. They do not want, and probably are not yet able, to accept what the Teacher announces to them. It is therefore unsurprising that they understand the words about the twelve thrones as a triumph in this earthly life, and that they want the fullest possible share in that triumph... The mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus with a request. And what does He do? Even though she has already said why she came, He asks her: what do you want? Jesus gives her an opportunity to stand face to face with Him and become aware of what is happening, to look within herself and gaze upon His face... How often do we, like this woman, spare ourselves such an “expenditure” of time? And how remarkable it is that the Lord does not always grant what we ask.