And he said unto her,
What will you?
She said unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom.
All Commentaries on Matthew 20:21 Go To Matthew 20
John Chrysostom
AD 407
How then does this evangelist say, that their mother came to Him? It is probable both things were done. I mean, that they took their mother with them, with the purpose of making their entreaty stronger, and in this way to prevail with Christ.
For in proof that this is true, as I say, and the request was rather theirs, and that being ashamed they put forward their mother, mark how Christ directs His words to them.
But rather let us learn, first, what do they ask, and with what disposition, and whence they were moved to this? Whence then were they moved to this? They saw themselves honored above the rest, and expected from that they should obtain this request also. But what can it be they ask? Hear another evangelist plainly declaring this. For, Because He was near, it is said, to Jerusalem, and because they thought the kingdom of God should immediately appear, Luke 19:11 they asked these things. For they supposed that this was at the doors, and visible, and that having obtained what they asked, they would undergo none of the painful things. For neither for its own sake only did they seek it, but as though they would also escape the hardships.
