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Matthew 20:22

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 20:22

Verse 22 of 34

Scripture focus

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Matthew 20:22 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 20:22

Theological / Devotional

Ye ask. Literally, “ye ask for yourselves.” The use of the plural “ye” makes it evident that James and John had also spoken on their own behalf (see on v. 20).

The cup. A figurative expression for the cup of suffering Jesus was to drink in the Garden of Gethsemane, at His trials, and on the cross (see Matt. 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42; John 18:11). A “cup” is a common Bible figure for suffering or punishment (see Isa. 51:17; Jer. 49:12; Lam. 4:21; see on Ps. 11:6 ; 16:5).

Be baptized. Gr. baptizd. See on ch. 3:6. Here it is obvious that the word is used figuratively. As the “cup” stands for the sufferings of Jesus, “baptism” stands for His death (see Rom. 6:3, 4; see on Luke 12:50).

We are able. James was the first of the Twelve to become a martyr (see Acts 12:2), but his brother John outlived all the other disciples (see AA 542, 569).

By SdaBc