Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew 20:17--34 Be Prepared for What Is Coming The mother of James and John approaches Jesus with a request. He asks what she wants. She wants her two sons to sit at either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Here is what Matthew 20:22 says, 22 But Jesus answered and said, You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said to Him, We are able. (Mat. 20:22). The typical Christian does not experience suffering to the extent that the apostles did, but all Christians will suffer for their faith. Jesus never promises a life free of persecution, but He is open and blunt that hard times will happen. He says that they do not know what they are asking. Then He asks the two men if they are able to endure what He is about to endure. They say that they are able. My friends, Jesus wants us to know that there is a rough road ahead, but He also wants us to know that He is with us all the way. Therefore, do not let any kind of suffering surprise you, thinking that Christians should not suffer, because as Jesus indicates to the two brothers, even He is to suffer. If He is not exempt, why should we think that we are exempt? Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100 http://www.plymouth-church.com/dons_corner2.html http://associate.com/groups/emaildevotionals/