Still ambitious
| Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. "Teacher," they said, "we want You to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" He asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory." "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?" "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, 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." (Mark10:35-40) |
I find myself incredulous every time I read this section: "Jesus has just predicted His impending and violent death and the disciples are jockeying for positions of power?" It just doesn't make sense!
There are a couple of things to take away from this:
1. The disciples aren't perfect. Leaders aren't perfect. The allure of power is great and I think the Evil One is very busy in moments like these, distracting us from the main mission with petty plays for power. Before we point too many fingers at James and John, let's be very honest about how often we become more interested in who is doing something than what needs to be done. The mission is often sabotaged by power politics.
2. Jesus makes a sobering point. Those who align themselves with Him will end up drinking from His cup. This isn't only the cup of blessing, it can also be the cup of wrath and the Old Testament prophets often talk about drinking the cup of suffering and judgement "to the dregs." Then He talks about His baptism (in this context He means His total immersion) into the journey of the cross.
3. The Kingdom of God isn't a meritocracy. The places at Jesus' right and left won't be given to those who have campaigned the most or suffered the most. They will be given to those God chooses.
4. Ironically, in spite of their crass insensitivity and ambition, James and John do believe that Jesus will emerge victorious. Jesus had just told them that He was going to be executed. Normally, this would lead to one's followers abandoning the cause, but James and John believe that this will not be the end. And so, although their jockeying for position is ugly to watch, it does portray their faith that Jesus would overcome.
Tomorrow we'll look at how the other disciples reacted. For now, let's recognise the allure of ambition and power and recognise that the road of the disciple isn't always easy and we should try to remain humble.
