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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Ambition of James and John

Ambition of James and John

Published Oct 19, 2024 04:29 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Gospel • Mark 10:35-45 [or 10:42-45] 
 

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” 
They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” 


Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 


When the 10 heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Can you drink the cup? 
 

The Gospel of Mark is structured into two major parts. The first half is concerned with the identity of Jesus: “Is he the Messiah?” The second half is concerned with discipleship: “If Jesus is the Messiah, what is the cost of following him?” 


The second half takes on from the confession of Peter, which is immediately followed by Jesus’ intimation of his own suffering and death in Jerusalem. 


This is vehemently opposed by Peter, for which he is rebuked by Jesus. Peter’s opposition to Jesus’ suffering and death reveals the Apostles’ imperfect idea about discipleship. The Gospel of Mark depicts them as slow to comprehend. 


In Mark, we get an unflattering image of the Apostles; their defect both in incomprehension and unbelief is highlighted. In this context, we hear of the ambitious request of the brothers James and John. 


Their aspiration to share in Jesus’ glory betrays their lack of humility. Jesus affirms their courage and willingness to share his fate. However, he reveals their weak grasp of discipleship. 


Jesus proceeds to instruct them on how a disciple should be internally disposed towards service rather than “lording over others.” 


Only Jesus’ own self-giving death gives a perfect illustration of how to follow the path of discipleship. We do not find the resolution to the weakness of the Apostles in Mark. Instead, we are given the model of Jesus to reflect upon and to imitate.


If we are going to serve God’s people, the question that we should concern ourselves with is, “Am I doing this for God’s glory, or for my own glory? Do I really want this job of service, or am I in just for the title?” This self-examination matters because our motive and disposition determine the outcome of our leadership in God’s community.

 

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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