Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin
Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin

What Does It Mean to Be Great in God’s Kingdom? - Matthew S6E1

August 10, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Greatness in God’s Kingdom Looks Nothing Like the World’s Version

The mother of James and John kneels before Jesus, takes a humble posture, and then asks for the most self-promoting thing imaginable: “Promise me my sons will sit at your right and left in your kingdom.” She had just heard Jesus say he was heading to Jerusalem to be crucified. The timing is almost comically bad. But Pastor Joby Martin, in this episode of Deepen, argues that her question exposes something universal—the assumption that greatness means position, power, and control. And Jesus’ response overturns that assumption entirely.

The Cup Nobody Wants to Drink

Jesus answers the mother’s request with a strange question: “Are you able to drink my cup?” In the Old Testament, the “cup” consistently refers to the wrath of God stored up against sin. In Gethsemane, Jesus will pray, “If there be any other way, let this cup pass from me.” So when he asks James and John if they can drink it, he is asking if they are willing to endure suffering for the sake of the kingdom.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:00) **Welcome & Series Context** - The hosts open season six of Matthew and note they are entering the final eight chapters, heading toward the triumphal entry.
  • 2 (07:43) **The Mother of Zebedee’s Request** - Joby examines the scene where the mother of James and John kneels before Jesus, asking for her sons to sit at his right and left in his kingdom.
  • 3 (10:59) **Jesus’ Response: “You Don’t Know What You’re Asking”** - Jesus redirects the request by asking if they can drink the cup he will drink, referencing the cup of God’s wrath from the Old Testament.
  • 4 (13:11) **The Contrast: Religion vs. Redemption** - Jesus asks both the mother (“What do you want?”) and later the blind men (“What do you want me to do for you?”), highlighting two different heart postures.
  • 5 (16:42) **From Consumer to Disciple-Maker** - The conversation shifts to the purpose of church involvement: it must lead to the Great Commission, not just personal comfort.
  • 6 (22:04) **The Cup of Suffering and Greatness** - Joby unpacks the concept of the cup as the wrath of God, linking it to Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane and the unique way of salvation through Christ.
  • 7 (25:19) **Pain as the Threshold for Growth** - The group explores the direct relationship between enduring suffering and being used by God.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Joby Martin

Show Notes

In Matthew 20, Jesus challenges the world’s definition of success. While the sons of Zebedee seek position and prominence, two blind men come to Jesus with nothing to offer but their need for mercy. Through these encounters, we see the difference between seeking what Jesus can give us and fully depending on what only He can do for us.

In this episode of Deepen, Pastors Joby Martin and Ryan Britt unpack biblical greatness, the danger of consumer Christianity, the purpose of suffering and why following Jesus requires humility, perseverance and a willingness to serve. Jesus did not call us to chase comfort, titles or recognition. He called us to follow Him, serve others and make disciples.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:51 How Have You Enjoyed Studying Through Matthew?
11:28 What Is the Significance of Sitting at Jesus’ Right or Left?
13:13 What Is the Difference Between Religion and Redemption?
15:24 How Should We Evaluate Our Church Experience?
22:04 What Does It Mean to Drink Jesus’ Cup?
25:02 What Is the Relationship Between Greatness and Suffering?
30:20 Why Are We Worried About Tomorrow?
33:52 What Is the Difference Between Embracing Discomfort and Seeking Suffering?
36:38 Does God Ever Call Us to Easy?
39:52 How Is Perseverance Developed in Us?
46:26 What Does It Mean to “Lord” Power Over Others?
49:33 How Should We View Authority and Responsibility?
52:55 What Does the Need to Flex Our Authority Reveal About Us?
55:05 Who Gets the Decision Making Rights?
58:50 What Do You Want Jesus to Do for You?
1:05:02 Final Thoughts and Prayer

📌 Supplemental Resources From This Week:
• Sermon
• Matthew Season 6 Intro
•Student Camp 2026 Recap
• This Week’s Full Service
• Matthew Season 6

📖 Scripture References:
• Matthew 20
• Matthew 28:19
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Hebrews 12:2
• Revelation
• Nehemiah
• Acts

📚 Book References:
• Leadership Pain by Samuel R. Chand

The Church of Eleven22® is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. Eleven22 is led by Pastor Joby Martin and based in Jacksonville, Florida, with multiple campuses throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.
 
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