James and John’s Request of Jesus
Mark 10:35-45
The Request of James and John
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
39 “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Pondering Point
This brief story reveals a great deal about life inside the church. An initial request asking boldly for coveted seats at the right and left of a kingly leader brings out something else: differing perspectives on service inside the spiritual community (often called the church).
On one hand (a human perspective) is concern over the leadership dynamic of serving: Role, place, title. On the other hand (God’s perspective) is a sacrifice dynamic: What its going to take, cost, or require.
Beyond these is yet a third perspective that reveals the sinful-yet-real underbelly of service in a church: Jealousy and envy that arise over what others seek or get while serving.
But look! Right in the midst of it all is the Lord Jesus reminding everyone of his followers, his disciples: Your role is to serve not be served.
Prayer
Father God, I am a disciple of Jesus serving in work to glorify You. Help me to learn from Jesus and be like Jesus, being present to serve. In His name. Amen.