Matthew 20:20-21

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 20:21

Verse 21 21.In the kingdom. It was worthy of commendation in the sons of Zebedee, that they expected some kingdom of Christ, of which not even the slightest trace was then visible. They see Christ exposed to contempt under the mean aspect of a servant; nay more, they see him despised and loaded with many reproaches by the world; but they are convinced that he will soon become a magnificent king, for so he had taught them. It is unquestionably a noble specimen of faith; but hence we perceive how... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20

Then . The incident seems to have arisen from the promise of the twelve thrones in Matthew 19:28 , and is significant as showing how utterly misunderstood was the true nature of the Messianic kingdom. The mother of Zebedee's children. The mother of James and John was named Salome; she had left her husband Zebedee ( Mark 1:20 ) in Galilee (unless, as is more probable from the terms in which she is introduced, he was now dead), and followed Jesus in the band of holy women who attended on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20

Motherly ambition. It is certainly surprising to find James and John presenting such a request as this. We cannot but think that they ought to have known their Lord better. If any of the apostolic company had insight of their Master's spiritual mission, it surely was the first group, which included James and John. Perhaps Matthew lets the light in when he explains that they were prompted by their mother. "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons worshipping him, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-23

A mother's ambition. In St. Mark we are only told that the two sons of Zebedee came, asking for the first places in the kingdom. St. Matthew's account shows that the request originated with their mother. It is natural that a mother should dream of a great future for her children. The mother's ambition is an inspiration for her training of them. In the present instance it seemed to overstep the bounds of modesty. Yet when we consider all the circumstances, we shall see that there was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

Ambitious request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee . ( Mark 10:35-45 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

Salome and her sons. I. THEIR CONVERSATION WITH CHRIST . 1 . The request . Salome was one of the Lord's most faithful followers; she was present at the cross; perhaps she was his mother's sister. Her sons had been admitted into the innermost circle of the apostles; they with Peter were the three nearest to the Lord. But even the chosen three could not receive the Lord's predictions of his death. Their hearts were so preoccupied with thoughts of the kingdom, the twelve... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

Salome's petition for Zebedee's sons. This strange petition must have operated in a twofold way upon our Lord. On the one hand, it must have made it more clear than ever to his mind that nothing but his death and departure from this earth could dissipate the hopes of an earthly kingdom cherished by even the best of his followers. On the other hand, it gave him a most melancholy exhibition of the kind of men whom he must leave behind him to found his Church. Yet in our Lord's reply there is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:20-28

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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 20:21

What wilt thou. Jesus will make no unconditional promise; he compels her to formulate her petition. Grant ; εἰπε ì : command . These my two sons. She points to them, as they stood or knelt behind her. May sit … in thy kingdom. The right and left hand would be the places occupied by those next to the sovereign in dignity and consideration. There is here no thought of St. Peter's pre-eminence. The petition was urged at this moment, because it was felt that a great crisis was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 20:20-28

See also Mark 10:35-45.Matthew 20:20Then came to him give mother of Zebedee’s children ... - This was probably Salome, Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1.With her sons - The names of these sons were James and John, Mark 10:35Mark says they came and made the request. That is, they made it, as appears from Matthew, through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them. It is not improbable that she was an ambitious woman, and was desirous to see her sons honored.Worshipping him - Showing... read more

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