Compare Mark 10:37 with Matthew 20:21. What similarities and differences exist? Setting the Scene Jesus is on His final journey to Jerusalem. Two of the Twelve—James and John—seek places of highest honor when He reigns. The request shows up in both Mark and Matthew with striking overlap and a few telling differences. Side-by-Side Text • Mark 10:37 – “They answered, ‘Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.’” • Matthew 20:21 – “‘What do you want?’ He asked. She said, ‘Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left.’” Key Similarities • Same request: seats at Jesus’ right and left, the two positions of highest honor (cf. Psalm 110:1; 1 Kings 2:19). • Same people: James and John are the intended beneficiaries (cf. Mark 10:35; Matthew 20:20). • Same setting: on the road to Jerusalem, immediately before Jesus predicts His suffering (Mark 10:32-34; Matthew 20:17-19). • Same corrective response from Jesus (Mark 10:38-40; Matthew 20:22-23). • Same lesson on servanthood that follows (Mark 10:42-45; Matthew 20:25-28). Notable Differences • Speaker – Mark: James and John speak directly. – Matthew: Their mother (Salome, cf. Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40) initiates the request, though Jesus quickly addresses the sons. • Terminology – Mark: “in Your glory” – emphasis on Jesus’ exaltation. – Matthew: “in Your kingdom” – emphasis on the Messianic reign. • Literary focus – Mark highlights the personal ambition of the brothers. – Matthew softens their image slightly by inserting the mother’s intercession yet still shows their agreement (Matthew 20:22 “You do not know what you are asking”). • Small wording nuances – Mark: “Grant that…” (a plea for permission). – Matthew: “Declare that…” (a plea for royal decree). • Audience perspective – Mark’s version fits his fast-paced, action-oriented narrative. – Matthew, writing for a Jewish-oriented readership, places the request in kingdom terminology. Why It Matters • Reveals heart motives: even closest disciples can crave status (cf. Luke 9:46). • Clarifies true greatness: Jesus redirects them to the cup of suffering and the baptism of death (Mark 10:38; Matthew 20:22). • Shows Christ’s submission to the Father: “These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared” (Mark 10:40; Matthew 20:23). • Affirms Scripture’s harmony: two perspectives, one consistent event, each complementing the other. Lessons for Today • Ambition must bow to God’s sovereign appointment (James 4:10). • Greatness in Christ’s kingdom is measured by service, not status (Mark 10:43-45). • True honor follows humility and suffering with Christ (Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Timothy 2:12). |
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