Saturday 15 November 2025

Psalm 105:1-11

Background
Caring lies at the very heart of Christian discipleship and Matthew 20:20-34 offers a rich and challenging vision of what it means to care for one another in the pattern of Christ. This passage unfolds in two distinct but intimately connected scenes: the request of the mother of James and John for privilege in Jesus’ kingdom, and the healing of two blind men on the road from Jericho. Together, these stories invite us to reflect on the nature of true greatness, the call to servanthood, and the compassionate heart of Jesus.

The story begins with an ambitious request. The mother of James and John, kneeling before Jesus, asks that her sons be granted the places of highest honour in his kingdom, one at his right hand and one at his left. At first glance, her request is a natural expression of maternal love and care, a desire for her children to flourish and succeed. Yet, Jesus’ response reveals a deeper truth: “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” (v. 22) The ‘cup’ here symbolises suffering, sacrifice and the cost of discipleship. True caring, Jesus suggests, is not about seeking privilege or status for ourselves or those we love, but about sharing in the costly journey of service and self-giving love.

When the other disciples hear of this request, they are indignant with the two brothers. Their anger is, perhaps, a reflection of their own desires for recognition and importance. But Jesus seizes this moment to teach a radically different vision of community. He says: “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (vs 26-28) Here, Jesus upends all worldly notions of greatness. Caring, in the kingdom of God, is not about lording it over others or seeking advantage, but is about humbling oneself to serve. It is about recognising the needs of others and being willing to put their well-being before our own ambitions.

This teaching finds its living illustration in the encounter that follows. As Jesus and his disciples leave Jericho, two blind men cry out to him from the roadside. The crowd tries to silence them, but Jesus stops, listens and calls them over. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asks. (v. 32) Their reply is simple and direct: “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touches their eyes and immediately they regain their sight and follow him.

Here we see Christian caring in action. Jesus is never too busy, too preoccupied, or too important to notice the cry of those in need. He draws near, listens attentively, and responds with compassion. His care is not distant or abstract but involves real presence, touch and healing. Moreover, his question “What do you want me to do for you?” shows a deep respect for the dignity of those he serves. He does not presume to know their needs but invites them to voice their desires and trusts them to name what is needed for their flourishing.

This passage challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards caring. Are we, like the mother of James and John, tempted to seek recognition or special favour? Do we, like the crowd, sometimes ignore or silence the needs of those on the margins? Or can we, like Jesus, cultivate an attitude of humility, attentiveness and genuine compassion? Christian caring calls us to set aside our own agendas and ambitions, to draw near to those who are suffering, and to serve with open hands and open hearts.

Ultimately, caring in the way of Christ is both costly and transformative. It demands that we drink the ‘cup’ of sacrificial love, that we journey alongside others in their vulnerability, and that we trust in God’s power to bring healing and new life even in the most unlikely places. In doing so, we participate in the redeeming work of Christ, serving not to be served, but to serve, and to give of ourselves for the sake of others. This is the profound invitation of Matthew 20:20-34: to embody a love that is humble, courageous and boundless in its compassion.

To Ponder:

• How easy do we find it to express the kind of caring discipleship expressed in today’s scripture? Can we truly welcome all people into a place in which none are excluded and all are valued equally? Do we place any boundaries in our welcome?
• Have you ever been the recipient of the kind of care that Jesus demands of his disciples in today’s scripture? How did it make you feel? How can you pass that on to another person who stands in need of the same care?

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Adrian Burdon
The Revd Dr Adrian Burdon is Superintendent Minister of the Telford Circuit in the West Midlands District. Adrian has been a presbyter since 1988 and, in addition to Shropshire, has worked in the Oldham Circuit, on the Fylde Coast, in Leeds city centre, the Northeast of England, and as a mission partner in the South Pacific. Adrian is Chair of the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland writing group which writes material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.