New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 20:24

The Last Will Be First

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Matthew 20:24 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 20:24, in plain English

When the other ten disciples hear about the request, they're furious with James and John.

Why it's here

They're not angry because the request was wrong — they're angry because they wanted those seats too.

Who's speaking

The narrator shows that the desire for power infected all twelve, not just two.

Where it sits in the story

The anger isn't righteous indignation. It's jealousy. They all wanted the same thing.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The other ten disciples become indignant (ēganaktēsan) at James and John — not because of superior humility, but likely because they harbored the same ambitions.

Language and setting

Their anger reveals that all twelve are struggling with the same desire for status, making Jesus' teaching on servant leadership necessary for the whole group.

Voice

The narrator describes the other disciples' angry reaction to the brothers' request.

Significance

The indignation of the ten reveals that the problem isn't limited to James and John — they all want the top positions.

In context

Matthew 20:22–26

22“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

23“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.”

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

25But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.

26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

Read all of Matthew 20 — Workers hired at day's end receive the same wage as those who sweated since dawn. God's generosity offends our scorekeeping instincts.

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