Matt 20:17-34

One "Mind Blowing" passage.
Now the last reading was basically teaching that God pays a 'fair' wage. Not so much that we are worthy of any compensation (but HF) but rather He's nice and so people get far better than they other wise would. Its on the heels of this that Jesus starts to talk about the atonement and the prophetic nature of the violent death that is coming.

So in this context these guys do exactly what I would do. They get their Mom to ask for something on their behalf. (doubtful if such a thing would work today) never the less... Mom Zebedee come to Jesus, "can my boys sit on your right and left?" The human logic (If they even bothered to think of it) is "it can't hurt to ask." Well, who knows!? But what they say after that, is a good indication of why its important to "dereference variables." (Decode symbols) 'Oh sure we can do your cup and baptism', they say. er, oops... Now don't say, Isn't it great about Peter's big mouth!! Look at these two guys!!

Naturally it causes an upset. The other ten guys think things like, 'are you pulling rank on us?' So Jesus goes right back to what He's been saying. God determines peoples wage and rank. You should concentrate on service. And consider my example.

In closing the men are head up and out to Jerusalem. These blind guys want their sight, and they are even schooled enough to know the recent OT exposition. (The Christ is the son of David) The crowd wants them to shutup. The crowd is not to be obeyed, and there is a blessing for making racket. The language of Jesus initial response to them is very plain. And when they got what they asked for they followed Him.