Matthew 20:22

Matthew 20:22. Ye know not what ye ask. Addressed to James and John, who had prompted their mother. The request could scarcely have been occasioned by jealousy of Peter. Had he been appointed ‘primate,' this would have been an opportunity for upholding him in that position. When John saw the crucified thieves on the right and left hand of his dying Lord, he knew what he had asked.

To drink the cup? A frequent Scriptural figure for the Providential portion assigned to any one; especially for a suffering lot. It refers to inward anguish here. ‘With the baptism,' etc. Omitted by the best authorities. It occurs in Mark, referring to the outward persecutions.

We are able. They were not the least courageous of the Twelve (comp. John 18:15), but they also forsook Him and fled (chap. Matthew 26:56) in the hour of trial.