What Jesus Did! 'Mothers!' — Matthew 20:20-21

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Then Zebedee's wife came to Jesus. Her sons were with her. The mother bowed before Jesus and asked him to do something for her. Jesus said, "What do you want?" She said, "Promise that one of my sons will sit at your right side in your kingdom. And promise that the other son will sit at your left side in your kingdom."
— Matthew 20:20-21 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 20:20-21 NLT — "What do you want?" —— "Promise that one of my sons will sit at your right side in your kingdom. And promise that the other son will sit at your left side in your kingdom."

Key Thought

Mothers are so precious. They want what is best for their children. They want others to love their children and see them in the same way they do. This sometimes causes them to say things they shouldn't and do things that are ill advised. But they want good things so very much for their children that they cannot contain themselves.
Notice in the following verses that Jesus does not deal harshly with her. In fact, he recognizes that the question may even arise from within the hearts of her two sons. Jesus' ministry is routed in the real world, the same world we live in. Rivalry and ambition and motherly love all collide with truth and God's will and timing. That Jesus lived in and knows our world should be great comfort when we go to him in prayer.

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, I want to thank you for godly mothers today. I thank you for the way they sacrifice to give life to their children along with the gifts of blessing, hope, and faith. I ask you to bless each of them now and for all eternity with your love, grace, and reward. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 2:1-5
  • Proverbs 31:1-2
  • Genesis 4:1

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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