Mat 20:21 What do you want?
Mat 20:22 You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup from which I shall drink, and to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?

Christ is saying two important things about the human condition here.

First, he is saying that we do not sufficiently analyze our desires. As human, we fail to imagine the implications of getting what we think we want. For Christ, spirit, mind, body, and emotional relationships are all connected. Spiritual rewards require physical, mental, and emotional sacrifices.

Next, he is saying that to get these rewards, we must take risks. We take the term "baptize" for granted today, but the idea of religious baptism originate with John the Baptist. When Christ used the term, it had implications of "taking the plunge" and "getting in over your head." In other words, you must be willing to take a risk. God doesn't give guarantees.


"Do you want" is from thelo , which means "to be resolved to a purpose" and "to desire."

"Know" is from eido, which means "to see," "to examine," and "to know." It is more seeing in the mind's eye.

"Are able" is from dunamai which means "to have power by virtue of your own capabilities," "to be able," and "to be strong enough."

"Drink" is from pinô, which means "to drink."

"Baptize" is from baptizô, which means "to dip," "to plunge," "to be drenched," "to be drowned," and "getting in deep water."

"Baptism" is from baptisma, which is only in the New Testament and means "baptism."