How can we apply the lesson of sacrifice from Matthew 20:22 today? Setting the scene Matthew 20:22: “Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’ ‘We can,’ the brothers said.” • James and John request positions of honor; Jesus redirects them to consider the cost rather than the crown. • “The cup” is a vivid metaphor for the suffering, obedience, and self-giving that climax at Calvary (Matthew 26:39). Understanding “the cup” • Prophetic background: the “cup” often signifies God’s appointed portion—sometimes wrath (Isaiah 51:17), sometimes blessing (Psalm 23:5). • For Jesus it meant substitutionary suffering (Isaiah 53:4-6) leading to triumph (Philippians 2:8-11). • For disciples it does not redeem others—only Christ’s sacrifice does—but it does involve costly obedience that displays His life (2 Corinthians 4:10-11). Sacrifice in Jesus’ life: Our model • Voluntary: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). • Purposeful: “The Son of Man came…to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). • Joy-oriented: “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Practical ways to “drink the cup” today • Time stewardship – Set aside prime hours (not leftovers) for unhurried communion with God and service to people. • Financial priorities – Budget generosity first; downsize wants to elevate Kingdom giving (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Relational humility – Choose unseen tasks, defer credit, practice forgiveness that costs pride (Ephesians 4:32). • Ethical courage – Speak truth in love at work or school though it may risk advancement (Acts 5:29). • Missional mindset – View homes, careers, hobbies as platforms for gospel witness; accept inconveniences of hospitality, mentoring, or short-term mission trips (Romans 12:13). • Persevering through hardship – Receive trials as opportunities to showcase Christ’s sufficiency rather than grumble (James 1:2-4). Guardrails and motivations • Sacrifice is grace-enabled, never self-saving (Ephesians 2:8-10). • The pattern is cross now, glory later (Romans 8:17-18). • Love is the fuel: “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Community matters: share burdens so no one suffers alone (Galatians 6:2). Encouragement from other Scriptures • Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” • Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know Him…becoming like Him in His death.” • 1 Peter 4:13 – “Rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” By embracing these practices, believers today answer Jesus’ question—“Can you drink the cup?”—with humble, Spirit-empowered yeses that honor the One who first drank it for us. |
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