Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify. He said, "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They recall His mysterious words, pointing to trial and suffering, yet answer confidently, "We are able." They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that is to befall their Lord.

Jesus er mild og overbærende mod dem og dadler dem ikke for deres egenkærlighed ved at søge at blive foretrukket for deres brødre. Han læser deres tanker, han ved, at de er ham inderligt hengivne. Deres kærlighed er ikke blot en menneskelig kærlighed. Skønt den er besmittet af jordiskheden i dens menneskelige oprindelse, så strømmer den ud fra hans egen frelsende kærligheds kilde. Han vil ikke irettesætte dem, men lutre og rense deres sind. Han sagde: Kan I tømme den kalk, som jeg skal tømme, eller døbes med den dåb, som jeg skal døbes med? De husker hans mærkelige ord, der viste hen til prøvelse og lidelse, men alligevel svarer de tillidsfuldt: Ja, vi kan. De ville regne det for den største ære at måtte få del i alt, hvad der skulle times deres Herre.