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Is it ironic?

Mark 10:35-45

A request from James and John

James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

They said, “Allow one of us to sit on your right and the other on your left when you enter your glory.”

Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said, “You will drink the cup I drink and receive the baptism I receive, but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom it has been prepared.”

Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. 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. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”


We find it hard to imagine how James and John could be so dense, so uncaring. Their request feels off because they are asking Jesus to fit into their plans rather than trying to see how they might fit into Jesus' plans. James and John have not only failed to hear Jesus' prediction of his upcoming death, but they regard this journey to Jerusalem as a messianic march on the city to restore its former Davidic glory so that Jesus might assume the Davidic throne. They are missing the point, big time.

I can¹t be too judge-y, though. When I examine my own prayers, I find much that parallels the request of these two brothers. When I pray, what's my motivation? Thanksgiving? Confession? Too often I find that my prayer consists primarily of asking, Lord, give me this and Creator, give me that, show me this, help me with that. My prayers are not so different from this request of James and John, to be seated by Jesus in glory.

Ironically, the men who will occupy the positions at Jesus' right and left hands will be two thieves at Golgotha. Maybe it isn't ironic.

Giving God, I am thankful for who you are and the relationship I get to have with you. Amen.

Tags: Weekly Word