Matthew 20:21 WEB

"He said to her, “What do you want?”"

What Does Matthew 20:21 Mean?

In Matthew 20:21, Jesus responds to a request from the mother of James and John, asking Him to grant her sons positions of honor in His Kingdom. The phrase "What do you want?" signifies Jesus' willingness to hear her out, opening the door for her to express her desires. This interaction highlights the personal nature of Jesus' ministry, where He invites individuals to communicate their hopes and needs directly to Him.

The significance of the phrase lies in its simplicity yet profound implications. By asking, "What do you want?" Jesus emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the necessity of articulating our desires before God. This invitation to speak candidly reflects the broader biblical theme of God wanting a relationship with His followers. It points to the idea that prayer and asking God for our needs and desires is not just permitted but encouraged.

Contextually, Matthew 20 is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion. He speaks about the nature of true greatness and servanthood in the Kingdom of Heaven, contrasting it with worldly views of power and authority. This conversation with the mother of James and John serves as a teachable moment, highlighting the disciples' misunderstanding of His mission and the nature of leadership in the Kingdom.

Common misconceptions may arise from this verse regarding the prosperity gospel, where some might interpret this as a promise of earthly rewards for faithfulness. However, the true essence of Jesus' question invites believers to reflect on their motivations and desires in their relationship with Him. It challenges us to consider whether we seek personal gain or align our desires with God's greater purpose for our lives.

Practical Application

Matthew 20:21 teaches us that God is interested in our needs and desires, encouraging us to articulate them in prayer. In modern Christian life, this means engaging in a personal dialogue with God, where we feel free to express our hopes, fears, and dreams. For instance, if someone is seeking guidance in a career change, they can bring this desire before God, asking for clarity and direction.

Moreover, the verse provides guidance in specific situations. Imagine a student feeling overwhelmed with academic pressures. In this context, the invitation from Jesus to express one's needs could translate into praying for wisdom and peace during stressful times. Similarly, someone facing a difficult relationship can lean into this verse by openly discussing their desires for reconciliation or understanding in prayer. This verse reassures us that God listens and cares about our individual situations.

To embody the teaching of Matthew 20:21, start by setting aside regular time for prayer, where you can speak openly with God. Reflect on your needs and desires, writing them down in a prayer journal. This practice not only helps in articulating your thoughts but also allows you to see how God responds over time. Additionally, consider joining a small group or prayer circle where you can share your desires with others, fostering a supportive community.

Finally, reflect on these questions: What desires do I hold that I need to bring to God? How can I ensure that my requests align with God’s will and purpose for my life? In what ways can I encourage others to express their needs to God as well?

Historical Context

Matthew 20 is part of a narrative where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent death and resurrection. This chapter includes teachings about servanthood and the inversion of worldly power structures. The request from James and John's mother serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of leadership in His Kingdom. This context helps illuminate the deeper meanings behind Jesus' question and His subsequent teachings.

Historical Background

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Written for a Jewish audience, it emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This book was likely composed between A.D. 70 and 90, during a time of turmoil for early Christians as they sought to define their identity in light of both Jewish traditions and the emerging Christian faith.

Reflection Questions

Common Questions

What does the phrase 'What do you want?' mean?

The phrase 'What do you want?' in Matthew 20:21 signifies Jesus' openness to hear our requests. It invites us to articulate our desires and needs in prayer. This reflects God's personal relationship with us, showing that He cares about what we seek and invites us to communicate freely.

Why did Jesus ask this question?

Jesus asked, 'What do you want?' to prompt the mother of James and John to express her desires directly. This interaction showcases the personal nature of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing the importance of open communication in our relationship with Him and encouraging us to share our heartfelt requests.

How does this verse relate to prayer?

Matthew 20:21 relates to prayer by illustrating the importance of articulating our desires to God. It underscores that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about engaging in a personal dialogue with God, where we can express our needs, hopes, and dreams openly.

What lesson can we learn from this verse?

A key lesson from Matthew 20:21 is the significance of being honest and direct with God about our desires. It encourages believers to approach God with their requests, fostering a deeper relationship built on trust and communication. We learn that God is always ready to listen and respond.

Is this verse about asking for personal gain?

While some may interpret this verse as a promise of personal gain, it actually teaches us to align our requests with God's will. It's about understanding what we truly desire and ensuring our motives reflect a desire for God's glory rather than solely personal ambition.

Memory Tips

To memorize Matthew 20:21, focus on key phrases such as 'What do you want?' This question captures the essence of Jesus' invitation for us to express our desires. You can use flashcards, writing the verse on one side and its meaning on the other to reinforce your understanding.

Incorporate this verse into your daily devotions by reflecting on your desires during prayer. Set aside time each day to ask yourself, 'What do I want from God?' Journaling your thoughts can help solidify this practice and deepen your prayer life.

Another technique is to visualize Jesus asking you directly, 'What do you want?' Imagine this scenario whenever you're in prayer or meditation. This can create a memorable connection to the verse, reminding you of God's personal investment in your life.