Jesus meets this bold petition as He met the scribe's offer of discipleship (Matthew 8:19), aiming at disenchantment by pointing out what it involved: throne and suffering going together. τὸ ποτήριον, the cup, emblem of both good and evil fortune in Hebrew speech (Psalms 11:6; Psalms 23:5); here of suffering. δυνάμεθα, we are able; the prompt, decided answer of the two brothers to whom Jesus had addressed His question. Had they then laid to heart what Jesus had said shortly before concerning His passion, and subsequent resurrection, and made up their minds to share His sufferings that they might so gain a high place in the kingdom? Had they already caught the martyr spirit? It is possible. But it is also possible that they spoke without thinking, like Peter on the hill.

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Old Testament