Matthew 20:24

‘And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brothers.'

When news reached the ears of the ten about this attempt to pre-empt the allocation of the most important positions, they were furious. Each of them felt that they had a right to stake a claim, and felt that this was an underhand way of going about it. But it was merely in each case an act of selfishness. All wanted to be equal, as long as they were among those who were more equal than others. For each wanted the most important ‘throne' for themselves. And it is then that Jesus makes clear what is actually involved in occupying one of the thrones that He is offering.