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.” (Mark 10:35-45, CEB)
I always find this request very interesting based on what we as Lutherans confess every week in worship through the creed. Now James and John would not have known these creeds or probably have been told this is they way it will be in the coming Kingdom. Now we confess that Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father. Now if Jesus is at God’s right hand, who is at Jesus’ left side? Yes, that would be the Father. So James or John is asking to be seated in the place of the Father.
When we seek glory and fame we are not following Jesus.
Following Jesus means we take the seat of least notability and are ready to serve all.
Follow Jesus, don’t speak fame, be ready to serve.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 