Places in Jesus' glory

[JehovahsWitness]

The Apostles James and John made the following request (through their mother)

• MATTHEW 20:21
  "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

What exactly do you think this means? What, in your opinion, were they requesting?

Why in your opinion did Jesus imply that granting positions beyond his authority at the time rather than tell them that there was no such thing as "positions in the kingdom"?


(Please note I'm not interested in discussing how or when this passage made itself into the bible canon only, since it is there now, what the words might mean).

[JehovahsWitness]

[Replying to post 1 by JehovahsWitness]

It seems they were asking to rule with him as 2 and 3. Which is beyond him as it is predetermined.(by God)

I think secondly, Jesus, points out that they may go thru what he does, but that does not guarantee them their position. It seems , even in God's kingdom, there are rankings and positions. Some are already assigned. Maybe all are?

If the kingdom is a feeling within the hearts of all believers, how can there be rank or position in it?

If the kingdom is NOT a feeling (an emotion) within us, what is it?

[brianbbs67]

[Replying to post 1 by JehovahsWitness]

It seems they were asking to rule with him as 2 and 3. Which is beyond him as it is predetermined.(by God)

I think secondly, Jesus, points out that they may go thru what he does, but that does not guarantee them their position. It seems , even in God's kingdom, there are rankings and positions. Some are already assigned. Maybe all are?

If the kingdom is a feeling within the hearts of all believers, how can there be rank or position in it?

If the kingdom is NOT a feeling (an emotion) within us, what is it?

I don't think the kingdom is a feeling.(as to Christ saying the kingdom is within us all?, could he not have meant, we all have the means to access it?) Kind of silly to think a Kingdom doesn't have rank and file. Its a kingdom, implying all of that, not a commune.

[dio9]

[Replying to post 1 by JehovahsWitness]

They believed Jesus was going to restore the kingdom of David.

This is true, but I'm curious about the second question, namely Jesus response. What is your opinion?

Where Jesus' (Mt. 20:22) asked if they can drink from his cup means will they stand with him during his trial . The verse implies Jesus knew he would be arrested tried and crucified as the pascal lamb of God for the salvation of Mankind. Basically he was saying , even though they had no idea what he meant , do you want to be crucified with me? This verse implies Jesus knew he was going to the cross and his kingdom was not of this world.