You do not know what you ask

 

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

- Mark 10:32–45 

 

Yesterday we read that as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.' "   And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

  Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  My study Bible says that Christ's repeated predictions of His Passion were intended to encourage and to strengthen the disciples, as they will come to face terrifying events.  Let us make careful note of the fact that they are now on the road and going up to Jerusalem.  Additionally, my study Bible also comments that these warnings by Jesus confirm that He is going to His death in Jerusalem of His own will and choosing. 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all."  In our readings from Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Jesus has already been addressing the question of "greatness" among His disciples.  In yesterday's reading (above), Jesus addressed the question of great possessions and the obstacle that can be to entering the kingdom of God.  Here, my study Bible comments that this quest for temporal power and glory is unfitting for a disciple and shows an earthly misunderstanding of the kingdom of God.   In Matthew's Gospel it's reported that the mother of Zebedee's sons makes the request for this honor, but as is clear in the Greek text, Christ responds by addressing them in the plural ("What do you want Me to do for you?"; verse 36).  My study Bible notes also that Christ calls His Crucifixion a cup and His death a baptism.  It says that the Cross is a cup because He drinks it willingly (Hebrews 12:2); His death is baptism because He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  Here it is also noted that Christ's words to the Zebedee brothers are a prophecy.  That they will indeed participate in the same cup and baptism shows the life of persecution and martyrdom which both would lead after Pentecost.  Furthermore, that Christ says the places of honor in the Kingdom are not His to give doesn't mean that He lacks authority.  What it means is that these are not Christ's to give arbitrarily.  He will give them to those for whom God has prepared them.  With regard to sitting as equals on Christ's right and left hand in His Kingdom, St. John Chrysostom says that no one could possibly occupy a position like that.  In terms of the highest places of honor given to human beings, my study Bible notes that the icons of the Church universally show the Virgin Mary (the most blessed among women - Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (the greatest born of women - Matthew 11:11) holding these places.  

 

 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  For many as used here is an Aramaic expression, which means "for all."

As pointed out above, in several readings this week Jesus has addressed the issue of greatness and what that is in His Church and His Kingdom.  Therefore, it is somewhat surprising at this stage that these apostles, John and James Zebedee, who together with St. Peter make up three "pillars of faith," should now come to Christ with this request.  They are the ones, together with Peter, whom Jesus has taken with Him in times that called for the greatest strength of faith:  in the healing of Jairus' daughter, and at the Transfiguration (and the healing that followed).  It seems quite possible that, at this stage when Jesus' intention is very clear that He is setting off on the road to Jerusalem, the brothers (and their mother, as indicated in St. Matthew's Gospel), believe that the purpose of going to Jerusalem is to inaugurate this Kingdom, which they assume will be an earthly one.  Perhaps it is, after all, because James and John have been so close to Jesus as part of His "inner circle" together with Peter that they seek these places of honor. But, as in the cases where Peter's behavior is disappointing (such as in his denials of Christ to come at Mark 14:29-31), or the times the disciples haven't measured up to the kind of faith Christ would ask of them (as in this reading), or have so lacked understanding it seemed to exasperate Jesus (in this reading), perhaps we are given these examples by the disciples to teach us something important.  For we learn primarily that discipleship is not a one-time quiz or test that we either pass or fail, but a lifelong journey.  Indeed the word for disciple in the Greek of the Gospels means "learner" (μαθητής/mathetes).  In modern Greek this word is used to mean "student."  Discipleship, in the context of the Gospels, is a lifelong road.  And we can see for ourselves, through the remarkably short three-year period of Christ's ministry, how the disciples grow and become the apostles they would eventually be.  As my study Bible pointed out, both John and James Zebedee (also named "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus as we read in Mark 3:17) would truly both drink Christ's cup and be baptized with His baptism.  James would be the first of the apostles to be martyred (in AD 44, beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem; see Acts 12:2).  John would go on to a long life of persecution and exile, producing one Gospel, three Epistles, and the Revelation, as well as caring for Mary the Mother of God (John 19:26).  So what is it that will take these two men (and presumably their mother) from the ones who demand the two most important places in Christ's Kingdom, on His right and on His left, to the ones who would serve with the kind of greatness that Jesus has described over the course of the past several readings?  Christ's Passion itself, just ahead of them in Jerusalem, will without a doubt take them through its shattering realities and the tremendous story of Christ's sacrifice "for many," as Jesus prophesies in today's reading.  But the powerful spiritual realities to come, of Resurrection, and of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as well as the growth of the Church and its many servants to come, will no doubt have their effects upon all of them.  Let us take these examples to heart, and understand that for each of us, our journey forward into discipleship and deepening faith might very well take us through the deep changes of heart and mind as exemplified by these Sons of Thunder.  Let us be grateful for the grace we're given and the examples in the Gospels.  When these men make their request of Jesus, He tells them truthfully, "You do not know what you ask."  But they would learn in time, and through faith.  Let us remember that we, also, may have a lot to learn along the way.  Clearly, when we pray, we also may not know what we ask.  Let us keep our patience and keep learning as disciples throughout our lives, and pray for the grace to change and accept what we're meant to learn. 

Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

 

 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify.  And the third day He will rise again."

Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.  And He said to her, "What do you wish?"  She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one of Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."  But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."  And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

- Matthew 20:17-28 

 

In yesterday's reading, Jesus told a parable of the kingdom of heaven:  "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.  Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.  And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.'  So they went.  Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.  And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'  They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.'  He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'  So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'  And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.  But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.  And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'  But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong.  Did you not agree with me for a denarius?  Take what is yours and go your way.  I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.  Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?  Or is your eye evil because I am good?'  So the last will be first, and the first last.  For many are called, but few chosen." 

 

  Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify.  And the third day He will rise again."  Now, the text notes for us, Jesus is going up to Jerusalem.  As He begins this final journey, He warns the disciples for the third time of His Passion to come.  My study Bible comments that Christ's repeated prediction of His Passion is meant to encourage and strengthen them for the terrifying events they will be facing.  Theophylact is cited here, who comments that it is as if Christ were saying to them, "Think on all these [words and miracles], so that when you see me hanging on the Cross, you will not imagine that I am suffering because I am powerless to do otherwise."

 

 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.  And He said to her, "What do you wish?"  She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one of Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."  But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."   We've already been given to understand that there is concern among the disciples for the places they might expect in Christ's kingdom (see this reading).  At this stage it's likely they expect an earthly kingdom to be established by the Messiah, and so Christ gives them repeated warnings about what is to come at Jerusalem.  My study Bible comments that this quest for temporal power and glory is unfitting for a disciple, and it shows an earthly misunderstanding of the kingdom of God.  Here, we're told that it is the mother of Zebedee's sons who requests this honor (perhaps also letting us know that she is among the women from Galilee who travel with and support Christ's ministry).  But John's and James' own involvement in this desire is shown by a plural "you" in Christ's response in the Greek (verse 22), and in Mark 10:35.  We must note also that Christ calls His Crucifixion a cup and His death a baptism.  My study Bible comments that the Cross is a cup because He drank it willingly (Hebrews 12:2).  His death is baptism as He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  Christ's prophecy of John and James participating in the same cup and baptism shows the life of persecution and martyrdom they will lead after Pentecost.  Moreover, Christ declaring that the places of honor in the Kingdom are not His to give doesn't mean He lacks authority.  Instead, it indicates they aren't His to give arbitrarily.  They will be given to those for whom God has prepared them.  (See Wednesday's reading, in which Jesus tells them that "you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.")  With regard to sitting as equals on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom, my study Bible cites St. John Chrysostom, who teaches that no one could possibly occupy such a position.  Regarding the highest places of honor given to human beings, the icons of the Orthodox Church universally depict the Virgin Mary (most blessed among women - Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (greatest born of women - Matthew 11:11) holding these places. 

And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."   Let us keep in mind that Christ has just revealed to the disciples (for the third time) that He "will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify.  And the third day He will rise again."  So let us consider in that light how out of place this request is in light of such revelation.  My study Bible comments that Jesus corrects the disciples by first comparing them to the power-hungry Gentiles, whom they themselves considered an abomination, and contrasts them to Himself.  He serves us, although He is Lord of all.   For many is an Aramaic expression which means "for all." 

 

 As noted above, the popular expectations of the people were that a Messiah would be an earthly deliverer, one who would throw off Roman rule and re-establish the kingdom of David and the fortunes of Israel.  With that understanding, we might assume that it is quite likely that the request by the mother of Zebedee's sons (the disciples John and James) comes in expectation of such a worldly kingdom, and hope that these important places will be given to them.  As my study Bible notes, Jesus' response using the plural "you" indicates that it's not just their mother who's making this request!  So we contrast this request with the very somber note in Jesus' warning, informing the disciples -- for the third time -- that He will suffer and be killed.  We can be fairly certain that this information is nearly impossible for the disciples to fathom, and likely they are unable to take it in and truly understand.  What they make of His words that "the third day He will rise again" we also don't know, and likely they have no idea.  Mark's Gospel tells us not only that they did not understand, but they were also afraid to ask Him (Mark 9:30-32).  Jesus more or less tells them so when He says in response to the Zebedees' request, "You do not know what you ask."  In this light, Jesus' preparation of the disciples for the eventuality of the Church must include teachings on humility, on the capacity for service.  There is so much that they will have to learn to separate from themselves in order to truly become the Church of the gospel message.   He teaches that James and John not only must understand His own mission, but be prepared to follow Him.  He asks them, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" and promises them that indeed they will.  He contrasts the Gentiles, who worship the pagan gods of power and acquisition, with Himself, who, although He is the Son, has come to serve all.   Even those places at His right and left hand are not His to give, but will go to the ones for whom the Father has prepared them.  Power and authority, for Jesus the Son of God, are vested in grace and service and self-emptying, and this is the great secret to the Kingdom and the Church which seeks to bear that Kingdom into the world.  It's a lesson that is too frequently forgotten, but is indispensable and invaluable -- the one precious thing we truly need.  James and John will go on to fulfill Christ's prediction about their future lives.  James will be the first martyr among the disciples, and John will go on to a long life lived in persecution and exile, leaving the Church His Gospel and three Epistles characterized by love, and the Revelation which gives the ultimate promise of the Bridegroom and the New Jerusalem for all.  But let us understand once more for ourselves, and think about the great seeming paradox (to us) of God's power and authority, which is qualified by grace, mercy, self-emptying, and service.  For we also are to go and do likewise, and follow Him.  This Advent, we would do well to consider how our own lives might benefit and follow this pattern.   For often, strange as it may seem to worldly eyes, it is in the giving up and serving Christ that we find who we really are, and what truly belongs to us.

 

To sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared

 

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

- Mark 10:32–45 

 

Yesterday we read that as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"   And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time  -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."   This is the third time that Jesus teaches the disciples in advance about what is to happen to Him in Jerusalem.  My study Bible notes that Christ's repeated predictions of His Passion were intended to encourage and strengthen them for the terrifying events they would face.  They also confirm that Christ was going to His death of His own will and choosing.  At this stage, the disciples are both amazed and afraid because He is going up to Jerusalem before them, knowing the animosity of the religious leadership that awaits there.

 

 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all."  My study Bible comments that this quest by James and John, the sons of Zebedee, for temporal power and glory is unfitting for a disciple and it shows an earthly misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God.  In Matthew's Gospel, it is the mother of Zebedee's sons that makes this request, but even there, Jesus addresses them all in the plural, as well as here (see Matthew 20:20).  Christ calls His Crucifixion a cup and His death a baptism.  My study Bible explains that the Cross is a cup because He drank it willingly (Hebrews 12:2).  His death is baptism, as He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  Jesus' prophecy of John and James participating in the same cup and baptism teaches the life of persecution and martyrdom they would lead after Pentecost:  James was the first disciple to be martyred  (Acts 12:2), and John would go on to a life in which he endured the persecutions of the Church and of exile on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).  My study Bible adds that Christ declaring that the places of honor in the Kingdom are not His to give does not mean that He lacks authority.  Instead, it indicates that they are not His to give arbitrarily.  In effect, He will give them to those for whom God has prepared them.  Let us note also that with regard to sitting as equals on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom, according to St. John Chrysostom no one could possibly occupy such a position.  Regarding the highest places of honor that can be given to human beings, in the icons of the Orthodox Church these places are universally depicted as belonging to the Virgin Mary (most blessed among women - Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (greatest born of women - Matthew 11:11).  

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  The phrase for many, my study Bible notes, is an Aramaic expression which means "for all." 

Today's reading gives us a chance to brood on another quite modern topic, and that is a sense of entitlement.  This is a word one hears often in a modern society, which denotes, for the most part, a certain sense of what one believes one has a right to expect without qualification.  In terms of its most negative sense of social commentary, entitlement is defined as "the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment" (according to Oxford Languages).  Generally speaking, entitlement speaks of having a right to something, or perhaps the "amount" to which a person has a right (again, according to Oxford Languages).  But be that as it may, for our present purpose, we will stick to the very general use of this term as modern social commentary on those who feel they have a "right" to something, especially in terms of identity alone rather than any sort of merit.  The purpose of this blog is not to dispute such modern concepts, especially as they apply to political or broad social issues; there is a wide variety of thought on these terms which are not in the perspective of this blog whatsoever.  But it is important to understand the reading itself which we can put into a relative framework.  James and John Zebedee are extremely close to Jesus and form a part of His closest circle (of Peter, James, and John).  He takes these three with Him to enact His most difficult healings that require strength in the face of ridicule (such as that of Jairus' daughter, for example).  These are the three who were taken to witness the Transfiguration (which included a manifestation of the Trinity as well).  James and John, along with Peter and his brother Andrew, are the earliest disciples of Christ (Mark 1:16-20).   They had all earlier been the disciples of John the Baptist.  John Zebedee is presumed to be the unnamed disciple of the two in John 1:35-42, as well as the one "whom Jesus loved" in John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 20.  We might make note that it was John to whom Jesus entrusted the care of His mother at the Cross (John 19:26).  So, given this history that preceded this request, and which would come afterward, one might presume that John and James had a sense of themselves as close followers of Jesus so that they would presume to ask for such positions.  But there is a sense of entitlement here that is nonetheless unwarranted.  It speaks to our deep need for humility, especially where the things of God are concerned.  There is first of all the commentary of St. John Chrysostom that to sit on Christ's right and left is a position of honor in terms of the majesty of God that no one can really fill those places nor imagine what authority they would entail. But there is something more important which Christ names here, and that is the sense in which the "entitlements" that come from God are for those for whom God has prepared such places.  In terms of discipleship and authority, a long life of struggle with faith and in following Christ as best we can is a life of preparation for something, and not of entitlements.  We might think of the Eucharist as something we are entitled to if we are baptized Christians, but this is not the case.  For we cannot think of such a gift as an entitlement, and must always understand the nature of a gift.  If we can put it in modern terms, a spoiled child may feel they are entitled to anything they ask for, but this is a form of blight and a lack of maturity and understanding.  It is, in effect, a way of looking at relationships with others purely in terms of materiality, of transaction and commerce.  It negates love and is blind to the heart, and there is where, so often, a sense of entitlement comes into play.  It lacks the discernment of personhood, and the maturity to respect the boundaries that are the true entitlements of what it means to be a person made in the image of God.  In today's reading, John and James are looking at Christ and the Kingdom in very material terms, as if they are opting for government service in the cabinet of a man they've supported for political office, as if Christ is one worldly power vying against another for a worldly kingdom.  But this is not the case, and there are much deeper things to understand in terms of our spirituality, and maturity regarding a relationship to God.  There are no real "entitlements" here in this material sense, but there is participation, and there is deep love so great that it is inexpressible on our own terms and too far beyond our grasp to fully comprehend it.  There is, especially, a guidance and a preparation for a fullness of ourselves which we don't already know, but God knows of us -- and the promise of a fullness of that image in which we were created.  This is where John and James Zebedee, and so many of the rest of us, make a mistake with regard to the theme of today's reading.  We don't know what God has prepared for us or for others, so we cannot tell the fullness of perfection to which we're being guided.  We don't know God's plans for us.  But humility and trust are the beginning steps to knowing God's love and God's providence, and the beginning of maturity as a spiritual person with a soul ennobled through faith.  Let us perceive the message of God's strength and love in this dialogue.  

 

 

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many

Deesis (Supplication) mosaic; Hagia Sophia cathedral, Constantinople, 13th century.  Virgin Mary and John the Baptist on either side of Christ Pantocrator

 

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him.  Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And however of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

- Mark 10:32-45 

 

Yesterday we read that as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him.  Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."   This is Christ's third prediction of His Passion.  My study Bible says these repeated predictions were intended to encourage and strengthen the disciples for the terrifying events they would face.  They also confirm that Christ was going to His death of His own will and choosing.  

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  My study Bible comments that this quest for temporal power and glory is unfitting for a disciple and shows an earthly misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God.  In Matthew's version of this story,  it is the "mother of Zebedee's sons" who requested this honor; however, John's and James' own involvement is revealed as Jesus uses a plural "you" to address them there in Matthew's Gospel, and also here in Mark's reporting of the story.   Jesus calls His Crucifixion a cup and His death a baptism.  My study Bible explains that the Cross is a cup because He drank it willingly (Hebrews 12:2).  His death is baptism, for He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  Christ's prophecy of John and James participating in the same cup and baptism shows the life of persecution and martyrdom they would lead after Pentecost.  Christ's declaration that the places of honor in the Kingdom are not His to give does not mean that He lacks authority.  Rather, my study Bible says, it means that they are not His give arbitrarily.  He will, instead, give them to those for whom God has prepared them.  With regard to sitting as equals on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom, St. John Chrysostom teaches that there is no one who could fulfill such a position.  Regarding the highest places of honor that can be given to human beings, my study Bible reminds us that the icons of the Orthodox Church universally depict the Virgin Mary (most blessed among women - Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (greatest born of women - Matthew 11:11) holding these places; see the icon above.

And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And however of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  My study Bible explains that the phrase for many is an Aramaic expression which means "for all."

Jesus explains the sacrifices of the Kingdom.  They are not sacrifices considered to be good in and of themselves, for the sake of sacrifice or a sort of discipline.  On the contrary, they are expressions of love in obedience to God's will, for a proper way of doing things which are good and right.  Christ's mission essentially is to set the world right, to bring salvation into the world, to once again bring human beings closer to God, in communion with God, and this mission is one of love.  It is done through love and as an expression of love for human beings.  It is hard for us to reconcile, considering the suffering Christ will bear, and especially in the Cross and His Crucifixion, but His voluntary death and suffering is part of the plan.  In a very real sense, God sacrifices and suffers of Himself, so that God both draws closer to us, and at the same time draws us closer to God.  Whatever we see and know of Christ's mission into the world is born of love and done in love for us, for what is good and right for human beings and human life; indeed "for the life of the world" - John 6:33, 51.  So is the spirit in which Jesus tells James and John Zebedee that the places on His right and left hand (that is, traditional places of "greatness" in an earthly kingdom which we might today translate to the highest cabinet positions in a modern country) are not His to give.  That is, Jesus expresses His own humility and love of the Father in everything He does and says, and conveys this also to John and James.  That these are not places He can arbitrarily assign, such as a way that a politician or figurehead would hand out power to his supporters or those to whom He owes favors, means that they are positions prepared by God and meant to be for the ones who can most further this plan of life and love for all of creation.  In everything, it is God, who is love, who comes first and lays the foundation for all that must follow.  And in this, Christ also asks our voluntary cooperation, just as here He asks it of James and John.  Christ Himself will be the first to literally lay down His life in that kind of obedience and love in this mission of love, and it is only then that He asks us to follow -- after He sets the first and foremost example -- and we are able to join with Him in that.  Indeed, James Zebedee would be the first among the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:2), and John would go on to a long life of persecution, producing a Gospel, three Epistles, and the Revelation for the posterity of the Church.  These are services of love, and joining in a mission of love.  And this is the mission into which we are invited to join.  It is love in the same sense that parents will sacrifice time, attention, effort, means, and all kinds of other things in expressing love for their children, and in nurturing them.  It is the same sense of sacrifice for love one makes in caring for an elderly or infirm parent.  It is our love for God, the love in which we share and which is given in abundance, that leads us forward in the ways for us which are right and good, which are meant to heal us and our world.  Jesus says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments," as He promises to send us a Helper who will dwell with us (John 14:15-18).   Even so, we may be constantly reminded of His love, just as the disciples knew it for themselves.  As followers of Christ, we do not live lives of "what ifs" and fantasies.   We live lives in which everything we do and experience -- including even the hardships  or suffering -- is given to God and serves the life of the Cross meant for the life of the world, and so we may join in this mission of salvation, with Him.

 

 

Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

 

Deësis (Supplication) mosaic; the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist depicted on Christ's right and left.  13th century, Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) Byzantine Cathedral, Constantinople.  Photo by Myrabella, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

 

- Mark 10:32–45 

 

Yesterday we read that as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

  Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  As Jesus and the disciples are on the road, going up to Jerusalem, with Jesus before them, the shadow of the Cross hangs over the present and future readings.  The disciples are accordingly both amazed and afraid.  My study Bible comments that Christ's repeated predictions of His Passion were intended to encourage and strengthen the disciples for the terrifying events they would face.  It says that they also confirm that Christ was going to His death of His own free will and choosing.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  Besides Peter, James and John Zebedee are the two disciples who are closest to Christ and deepest in faith; perhaps this accounts for their request to be in the greatest places in His Kingdom, at His right and left hand.  In Matthew's Gospel, it's reported that the request comes from their mother ("the mother of Zebedee's sons," in Matthew 20:20), but the sons' own involvement is revealed as Jesus addresses them in the plural form of you in Greek, both here and in Matthew 20:22.  My study Bible comments that this quest for temporal power and glory is unfitting for a disciple and shows an earthly misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God.  Once again, Jesus emphasizes the nature of this Kingdom, that those who would be greatest in it are those who will serve.   The phrase for many is an Aramaic expression which means "for all."  That Jesus frames His life as a ransom is to suggest that to give His life will work to liberate all, as a Deliverer and Savior in this sense.  It suggests that "the many" are held captive under the power of a tyrant, also referred to as the "ruler of this world." 

 

 Once again, the actions of even Christ's closest disciples show that they do not understand fully what is happening or is about to happen.  The disciples follow Him on the road toward Jerusalem and are both amazed and afraid.  James and John clearly expect a worldly sort of kingdom, which Jesus frames as a Gentile kingdom in which rulers "lord it over" others -- and to which He contrasts what His Kingdom will be, and what sort of leaders they will be.  My study Bible explains that He calls His crucifixion a "cup" and His death a "baptism."  The Cross is a cup because He drank it willingly (Hebrews 12:2).  His death is baptism, as He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  That Jesus predicts the future of John and James as participating in the same cup and baptism shows the life of persecution and martyrdom they will lead after Pentecost; James will be the first disciple to die as martyr, and John will lead a long life of persecution.  My study Bible also explains that Christ declaring that the places of honor in the Kingdom are not His to give doesn't mean He lacks authority.  Rather, it means they aren't His to give arbitrarily.  Instead, they will be given to those for whom God has prepared them.  St. John Chrysostom teaches that nobody can occupy such a position.  Regarding the highest places of honor given to human beings, the icons of the Orthodox church universally depict the Virgin Mary (most blessed among women -- Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (greatest born of women -- Matthew 11:11) in these places at the right and left hand of Christ.  Christ suggests His life is given as a ransom for many, meaning to liberate or to deliver all, as a savior.  Much speculation on the word "ransom" has been made across the centuries, but for the patristic writers and founders of Christian theology the question of payment was not answered in a trivial manner.  To whom was this ransom paid?  I will quote St. Gregory the Theologian (also known as Gregory Nazianzus) for the most complete answer to this question:  "Now we are to examine another fact and dogma, neglected by most people, but in my judgment well worth enquiring into. To Whom was that Blood offered that was shed for us, and why was it shed?  I mean the precious and famous Blood of our God and Highpriest and Sacrifice. We were detained in bondage by the Evil One, sold under sin, and receiving pleasure in exchange for wickedness. Now, since a ransom belongs only to him who holds in bondage, I ask to whom was this offered, and for what cause?  If to the Evil One, fie upon the outrage!  If the robber receives ransom, not only from God, but a ransom which consists of God Himself, and has such an illustrious payment for his tyranny, a payment for whose sake it would have been right for him to have left us alone altogether.  But if to the Father, I ask first, how? For it was not by Him that we were being oppressed; and next, on what principle did the Blood of His Only begotten Son delight the Father, Who would not receive even Isaac, when he was being offered by his father, but changed the sacrifice, putting a ram in the place of the human victim?  Is it not evident that the Father accepts Him, but neither asked for Him nor demanded Him; but on account of the Incarnation, and because Humanity must be sanctified by the Humanity of God, that He might deliver us Himself, and overcome the tyrant, and draw us to Himself by the mediation of His Son, Who also arranged this to the honor of the Father, Whom it is manifest that He obeys in all things? So much we have said of Christ; the greater part of what we might say shall be reverenced with silence" (St. Gregory Nazianzen, Second Paschal Oration, with thanks to Fr. Stephen Freeman).  Everything rests upon the foundation of the Incarnation, that God became human, in order to heal every aspect of humanity, including the defeat of death itself, which St. Paul calls "the last enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:25-26).  Christ is the "stronger Man" who defeats the "strong man" of this world (Mark 3:23-30), and there could be no greater power of ransom or liberation than this holy and mysterious reality of Jesus Christ and the Cross toward which He goes on the road to Jerusalem.  For God became human to liberate us all from sin, even from death; His cup and baptism will liberate (ransom) us all.  This is the unique power of His Cross, which defeats every enemy, and is all in all.

 

 

 

 

Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." 

- Mark 10:32-45

Yesterday we read that as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."   Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed.  And as they followed they were afraid.  Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  This is the third time Jesus has warned the disciples about what will happen in Jerusalem.  What is new here is the greater detail, and the fact that He is openly headed to Jerusalem -- which has the disciples both amazed and afraid.   My study bible says that Christ's repeated predictions of His Passion were intended to encourage and strengthen the disciples for the terrifying events they will face; it also confirms that Christ goes to those events by His own will and choosing, in full awareness of what is to come.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."  And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; . . .."    Yet again the question comes up about occupying the positions of greatness in the kingdom that the disciples expect will happen (see Monday's reading), as Jesus is headed toward Jerusalem.  We can see a reflection of James and John's personae in the fact that it is John who previously asked Jesus about one "who does not follow us" who was casting out demons in Christ's name (also in Monday's reading).  We know also of the closeness of John to Christ, the disciple to whom Jesus will later entrust His mother's care (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2).   In a kind of parallel to the warnings about what will happen to Jesus in Jerusalem, Jesus is again taking painstaking care to teach the disciples about power and humility, and wielding the authority which He confers.  His questions also pointedly parallel His newer and more explicit previews of what they will witness happening to Him.  He questions if they are able to drink His cup of the Crucifixion and endure His same baptism of death.  My study bible explains that the Cross is a cup because Christ drank it willingly (Hebrews 12:2), and His death is baptism, because He was completely immersed in it, and yet it cleansed the world (Romans 6:3-6).  This prophecy regarding John and James shows their lives of persecution and martyrdom which will come after Pentecost.  John will live a long life enduring exile and fierce persecution of the Church; James will be the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:1-2).

". . . but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."  And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.   My study bible explains that Jesus is not saying He lacks authority.   He's indicating that these places are not His to give arbitrarily; they will go to those for whom God has prepared them.  Moreover, St. Chrysostom explains that to sit as equals on Christ's right hand and left would not be possible for anyone.  Regarding the highest positions of honor that can be given to human beings, the icons of the Orthodox Church universally depict the Virgin Mary (most blessed among women -- Luke 1:28) and John the Baptist (greatest born of women -- Matthew 11:11) holding these places.

 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."   Finally, regarding notions of power, Jesus gives yet another -- and more explicit -- exposition on power and authority, and their use among His disciples and in His Church.   This is yet another instance of Jesus' giving an explicit reference for the third time, when He uses language emphasizing that those who wish to be "first" must be "last" (Mark 9:35, 10:31, 10:44).  My study bible adds that for many is an Aramaic expression that means "for all."

How do we use power?  How do we use authority?  Jesus goes to the heart of what we consider true authority and power.  He cuts to the depth of what it means to be a Christian.  Jesus' ideas about gracious behavior in positions of authority would be extended to the societies in which Christianity took root.  It is the underpinning, to my thinking, of development of systems of justice that attempt to protect the innocent who are unjustly accused.   The Book of Pastoral Rule, written by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century, would be adopted not only by those in monastic and ecclesial orders, but would be introduced as part of early formal education for the aristocratic classes.  The concept of noblesse oblige, and what it means to be a gentle-person, in my opinion, comes directly from this influence.   Our very concepts about what it means to have polite manners, common courtesy, can be traced to Jesus' teachings.  Even notions of courtly love, making their appearance in twelfth century literature, come from a Christian understanding of women and the influence of the image of Mary the Mother of Christ.   Each of these concepts can be tied to Christ's notion of true power and authority, particularly in the way in which He contrasts contemporary Gentile use and understanding of power with the ways in which the apostles must come to understand their places of authority and power.  Where we fail in our societies and institutions today, we fail to take Jesus' words seriously.  This extends both from nominal positions of authority and power at all levels of our society all the way down to our most intimate relations with one another and within families.  What is it to be gracious?   What does it mean to be humble, even when wielding great authority and power?  These are questions we need to ask ourselves every day regarding the most appropriate way to live our lives, and conduct not only most becoming but also most effective on any level.  Jesus sets the tone for leadership:  He is loyal to His followers.  He corrects in private.  He exercises love in all of His actions.  Let us note that none of these things, as expressed in Jesus' character, means that we refrain from expressing the truth at particular times and where it will be effective; nor does it mean there are no rebukes or corrections.  This is a rigorous undertaking for each of us, and if we take personal responsibility seriously, then we take Christ's teachings here seriously.  It makes the epitome of good leadership, but is the distinguishing character of those who wish to bear Christ into the world.  Let us consider the ways in which we fall short, and ways in which we change and adapt to that which He teaches -- even when others don't.