The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 20:20-28

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Distinction in the kingdom.

In the company of Jesus and his twelve apostles, as they went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, were probably other disciples, their relatives and friends. For here is "the mother of the sons of Zebedee," who came "worshipping, and asking a certain thing" of Jesus. The reply and discourse following show—

I. THAT DISTINCTION IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS NOT THE DISTINCTION OF LORDSHIP.

1. This is the distinction of earthly kingdoms.

2. Christians sometimes mistake it for the distinction of Christ's kingdom.

II. THAT DISTINCTION IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS THE DISTINCTION OF SERVICE.

1. The service of suffering.

2. The service of ministry.

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