Can You Handle This Drink?
Matthew 20:17–28

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In the USA one has to be 21 to drink.  It’s thought that by 21 a person can “handle” the responsibility of drinking and any repercussions it may have.  In this passage Jesus is trying to tell the disciples what is coming for him; it is a bleak forecast and yet all they can think about is the prestige of sitting next to Jesus in the kingdom.  It seems they still were not seeing that Jesus was not a traditional king.  Instead, what Jesus kept saying was that he came to serve not be served. 

The sons of Zebedee said they could drink from the same cup as Jesus, but I wonder did they really understand the strength of that drink?  Jesus kept saying the work would cost His life, and he asked if they could handle this drink.

Even today, we want to sit next to Jesus in the glory times, but can we handle the drink it takes to get there?  Jesus lived to serve and He calls us to serve as well.  Service isn’t sexy, service isn’t always fun.  We want to be seen in fancy chariots, not carrying a cross.  However, if we truly want to be like Jesus, it means being willing to take this drink, knowing that it may kill us, but also knowing that to live is Christ and to die is gain.  Can you handle this drink?  The world is waiting for you to drink up! 

Reflection Question: Everyone wants to sit with Jesus, but are you willing to drink what He’s drinking?