In a scene reminiscent of an incident earlier (cf. mark 9:33-37), some of the disciples are once again are jostling for greater positions in the kingdom to come. They’ve somehow managed to filter out anything that Jesus has said about his suffering and death, instead wanting to try and ensure that they have senior positions in the kingdom they expect Jesus to imminently establish. Their ambition had completely blinded them from all that Jesus had said. Such is the extent of their misunderstanding, that James and John appear to have no issue in approaching Jesus to ask him to let them sit at his right and left hand in glory! They have no idea what they’re asking for, as Jesus is about to be enthroned not in a palace but on a wooden cross! As the pair of disciples insist that they can drink the cup of judgment that Jesus faces, he warns them that they indeed will face similar fates as they seek to proclaim and follow him. Even now, they would not have understood what Jesus was saying.

When the other ten hear that James and John have been vying for favour, it’s completely understandable that they’re all indignant! With all of the disciples now fired up, Jesus rebukes them and demands that they are to exercise leadership not like that of those who lord it over them, but instead that they should become slaves of all. Why? 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”. What they may have begun to understand in part, they will only understand once they have witnessed both the crucified and risen Lord. AL

Questions

Prayer

Gracious Father, thank you that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Please help us to lead and live in his serving likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.