mark 10:41-45 :: the request of james and john

why were the other disciples angry with james and john? was it because they were so brash in their request? was it because they were thinking the same thing and didn’t have the nerve to actually ask? was it just because of the sheer presumptuousness?

whatever the reason was, Jesus wasn’t going to let that line of thought drift any farther. His kingdom wasn’t to be built on petty rivalry and elbowing for position. so He draws the line with them right then and there about the stark difference between what they were used to seeing in positions of authority and how people attained them. His Kingdom is different, His Kingdom holds no real resemblance to what the world’s view of authority looks like.

the great are those who bow and stoop and serve, and not from a motive of selfish ambition or for the sake of seeking glory for themselves. service from the heart, compassion that is meant and practiced, truly placing others before yourself for the sake of gaining glory for God. serving because it is your purpose, not just from a sense of obligation, but because it really is what you do and who you are each day.

we all know that this trip to Jerusalem would wind up being the beginning of the end of this part of Jesus’ ministry. this entrance into jerusalem would put events in motion that would make Jesus’ example obvious. the extent of His service, the depth of His love would be shown. and then his disciples would see why this little arguement was so silly, and so off base from where they should be.

soon enough, they wouldn’t need an explanation of why they were to be different.