This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 20:20-28, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
One day, the mother of two brothers named James and John went to talk to Jesus. She knelt down and asked him a favor. Jesus asked what she wanted, and she said she wanted her sons to be the most important people in his kingdom. One to sit on his right side and one to sit on his left side.
Jesus said, “You don’t really know what you’re asking for. Can you drink from the same cup that I must drink from?” The mother and her sons said they could. But Jesus told them that who gets to sit beside him is not up to him. Only God can decide who gets that honor.
When the other ten disciples heard about this, they got mad at James and John. But Jesus stopped them and said, “You know how the people in charge of other countries act like they’re the boss? That’s not how we should act. If you want to be great, you must be a servant. If you want to be first, you must be a slave. Just like how I came to serve, not be served, and give my life for many people.”
Biblical Lessons
- It’s okay to ask God for things we want or need, but we should also be willing to accept His answer, even if it’s not what we wanted to hear.
- God is the one who decides who gets honored and exalted in His kingdom, not us.
- True greatness comes from serving others, not from being served or seeking power and position.
- We should not be jealous or envious of others who may seem to have more or be in a better position than us, but instead focus on serving and loving them.
- Jesus is the ultimate example of humility, service, and sacrifice, and we should strive to follow His example in our own lives.