Step 32

Mark 10:32-45 The Crossroads of Discipleship

About Mark: Read the section of Mark below, and note the subtlety of Mark's authorship.

The "do whatever is asked" phrasing (35) had appeared in 6:22, where we commented on its rashness. Mark probably expected his readers to recognise the wording from the trap which Herod had set for himself.

Such a foolish proposition will not beguile Jesus as it did Herod. And by dividing the top spot, James and John seem to be asking for a half-share of the kingdom, like Herod was willing to promise the promiscuous dancer (6:23). Christians sometimes expect Jesus to give whatever they ask (often on the basis of Mark.11:24 - "I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours"), but there is more to prayer than making requests.

This story also links with the one that follows; for Jesus uses the same question in both, "What is it you want me to do for you?" Jesus said to James and John at verse 36 and to Bartimaeus at verse 51. The request of Bartimaeus is granted; the request of James and John is not. Bartimaeus was in a better position to gain his desire because the genuine beggars of misfortune understand grace, and seek what they ask for survival, not power.

Bible: Mark 10:32-45, A Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; 34 they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again."

The Request of James and John

35 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." 36 And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" 37 And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in yourglory." 38 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?" 39 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 baptised; 40 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." 41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 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. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Comment: THE CROSSROADS OF DISCIPLESHIP
AMAZED AND AFRAID (32). Previous talk of what awaited Jesus in Jerusalem had been resisted and misunderstood (8:32, 9:32). But now they realised this journey was to a destiny beyond their control, and it is typical in that situation for Mark to report that they were frightened.

Jesus attempts yet again to prepare them for what would happen; "the cup of suffering" (33-34, see 38). But James and John have other things in mind.  

Like Peter when over-awed, they too can speak stupidly. Their clanging request for position and power is attuned more to a rich young ruler than a disciple. We wonder in their proposal where they were planning for Peter to be positioned? It is not surprising that the other ten were angry when they heard (41).

The request of James and John seems designed so they can "lord it over" others (42), but "it will not be so" amongst disciples (43). Jesus himself came not to be served, but to serve (45), and this also shall be the hallmark of the Christian disciple. To realise this is the ultimate crossroads of Christian discipleship. This incident is of central importance to Mark. Mark links it to his one theological statement of the reason for Jesus death, as a ransom for the release of others.


And the incident is central to the concept of a disciple. The disciple will be like the Master, walking in his footsteps. As Jesus came to serve, the disciple "must be the slave of all". Once again we meet the upsidedown kingdom of Christian values. Once again we see how radically opposite this is to the values of ancient "tyrants" (42) and modern social climbers alike. Once
again we must do a reality check of our own motivations, to see how they compare with the ideas of Jesus.  


Discipleship today: You might not be very different to James and John. They were already quite far along the road of potential discipleship, when they were confronted with uncertainty and confused values. In the previous incident Peter had confirmed a willingness to follow Jesus. These other two, who with Peter comprise the inner circle, seem distracted by opportunism.

It is certainly true that people progress towards Christian faith at different rates and by different routes. And everyone is overtaken by ill-conceived fears, dubious ambitions, and mistaken expectations. Our only confidence lies in walking on with Jesus, certain that his will for us is good and acceptable and perfect - as Romans 12:2 promises.