“…whatever we ask” Mark 10:35-45
James and John, those two sons of thunder who have already asked to call down fire from heaven and have forbidden outsiders to cast out demons, now have a special request to make of Jesus for themselves. Coming up to him apart from the others, they say, “Do for us whatever we ask.”
Now you don’t need omniscience to realize there are certain kinds of questions you don’t entertain without more information. And this wasn’t even a question. Jesus asks for some details before responding. These two want a reserved position in the coming kingdom. And they want to start out right at the top.
Jesus must have sucked in a quick breath before replying. Should he be gracious and tactful? Not this time. He chose to be direct: “You have no idea what you’re asking.” To be “on staff” in this kingdom means taking everything thrown at Jesus. It means being despised and rejected of men on his behalf. “Are you able?” he asks.
“Of course!” is their quick reply. Jesus recognizes their faith, despite their egos getting in the way. That faith may be blind just now, but he knows it will hold true in the coming persecutions. However, he points out, the Father makes the appointments to specific positions and they will have to wait and see.
By now the other disciples have figured out what’s going on and they are indignant. Jesus calls them all to himself. This is significant – their focus has wandered from Christ to themselves. To be part of his kingdom is not about self-promotion or the gaining of influence over other people. The world around them, both religious and secular, has presented the wrong model for greatness, and they are following it without questioning. It is not to be so for them.
Jesus tells them that whoever would be great among them must become their servant. Anyone wishing to be prominent or noteworthy needs to become the slave of all. And Jesus himself would be their primary example: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Copyright 2020 David J. Cooley