Definition: And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 20:23. It’s a really important and often misunderstood verse. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse talks about Jesus’s plan for the future – after he dies and rises again, He’ll be with us for a period of time. He wants to share His power and authority with us, but it’s not about us sitting on His right or left. Let's unpack it: “And he saith unto them…” : Jesus is speaking to his disciples (the followers of him). “…Ye shall drink indeed of my cup…” : Jesus is offering a special blessing, a gift of something significant – perhaps spiritual power, forgiveness, or a chance to be transformed. He’s saying we will receive this blessing. “and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:” This is where it gets a little tricky and has been debated for centuries. It means Jesus is going to be baptized – washed in water – as part of this gift. He's sharing his own baptism, which is a symbol of death and resurrection. “but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give…” : This is the crucial part. Jesus doesn’t want to be involved in the distribution of this blessing. He's saying it's not his job or privilege to decide who gets to sit with him. He’s choosing to allow others to receive the blessing freely. “but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.” : This is where the mystery lies. Jesus is saying that this blessing – this gift – will be offered to those who are truly ready and worthy. He’s positioning others to receive it, but he's not controlling or directing who gets it. What does it mean for us? It suggests a larger picture of God’s plan: Jesus is offering a blessing: He’s giving something important to those who are ready for it. We aren't the ones who get this blessing: It isn’t about us having a special position or privilege. God is in control: We are meant to receive this blessing, but God is ultimately in charge of who receives it. In essence, the verse speaks about a future time when Jesus will be with us and offer a gift – a blessing – that isn’t tied to our individual status or preferences. It emphasizes that it's a generous act of God, and we are meant to receive it freely. Resources for further understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20%20Matthew%2020%2023](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20%20Matthew%2020%2023) - This provides a direct translation and context. Bible Lookup: [https://www.biblelookup.com/bible/mt20/23](https://www.biblelookup.com/bible/mt20/23) - This offers detailed explanations and interpretations. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore a different aspect of the passage?