Scripture: Mark 10:32-45 (CEB)
32 Jesus and his disciples were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, with Jesus in the lead. The disciples were amazed while the others following behind were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he told them what was about to happen to him. 33 “Look!” he said. “We’re going up to Jerusalem. The Human One[a] will be handed over to the chief priests and the legal experts. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will ridicule him, spit on him, torture him, and kill him. After three days, he will rise up.”
35 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37 They said, “Allow one of us to sit on your right and the other on your left when you enter your glory.”
38 Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?”
39 “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said, “You will drink the cup I drink and receive the baptism I receive, 40 but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. 43 But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. 44 Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, 45 for the Human One[b] didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Contributed by Eric Anderson
Jesus heads towards Jerusalem for the final time.
In today’s scripture Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem for the last time. The disciples and the rest of his followers are concerned and afraid. He pulls the disciples aside to explain exactly what is to happen to him when they arrive. During the conversation James and John pull Jesus aside to ask him for a favor. They ask to be put in places of honor in his glory, one on the left one on the right. Jesus, seeing they still don’t get him and seeing the other disciples grumbling about the audacity of James and John’s request, pulls everyone together to teach them again about what it looks like to be honored by the father.
James and John were doing what we sometimes do, looking for a reward for faithful living. It’s human nature to look for recognition because of our accomplishments. We’re looking for a place of honor and prestige because of our faithfulness. Jesus’ words for James and John that day are the same for us today. Being worthy of honor because of your faithfulness will look like a servant not royalty. Jesus modeled this servant’s life in his living and in his dying and he wants us to do the same.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us from the temptation of seeking the honors and recognitions of this world that would keep us from fully embracing discipleship in your kingdom. Keep our eyes on the cross and our focus on following you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN.
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