the cup
Originally Published in the South Jetty Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup..." The cup that Jesus refers to here, and does finally drink is his own crucifixion-resurrection. He descends to the dead and is raised to new life trampling down death by death, and leading the way to eternal life for all. The initiating question leading to the dialogue I included from Matthew's gospel is about a request for permission to sit at Jesus' right and left in the kingdom of God. These two disciples are wanting assurance of their ultimate union with God and Christ, and Jesus offers them fair warning about the challenging quest that is required for such a union. He has already given them a glimpse into the nature of the kingdom of God. In God's kingdom, the dead are raised, the sick are healed, th...