In Matthew 20 we read that the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, two of the intimate circle of Jesus' twelve disciples, 11 of whom would go on to become Apostles after His Ascension into heaven, asked a favor of Jesus. She asked in v. 21, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." The brothers must have been standing right there with Jesus and their mother for, in verse 22, Jesus answers and directs a question to them: "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"
Judas, by this time, was no longer with them, and in v. 24 we read that "the ten" were quite displeased with the two brothers, James and John. Jesus immediately resolves the dispute (vv. 25-28): But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You now that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be sevred, but to give His life a ransom for many."
Remember - Service means "an unceasing and wholehearted labor in making ourselves available to Jesus so that He may Live, in and though us, His Life of infinitely tender, compassionate and merciful Love!
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