READ SCRIPTURE (Mark 10:35-45)
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then 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 hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
REFLECT ON THE READING
The brothers James and John were quite bold when they came forward to make their request of Jesus. How many students make such a request of their teacher? The irony is Jesus had been trying to instill in them just the opposite attitude so that they would ask the question, “Teacher, what do you ask of us?” Jesus listens to their request to sit on his right and left side in glory. Obviously, they have been listening to Jesus teach of the coming of the kingdom of God, and they want a good seat. Jesus continues the conversation by asking if they can drink from his cup and share in his baptism. Their reply is short, “We are able.”
What is your reaction to the question asked by James and John?
What does Jesus mean by sharing in his cup and his baptism?
PRAY
Jesus, you came to us and lived among us as one of us. Teach us follow your example and willingly serve. Amen.
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