The Campaign for Self Promotion: Mark 10:35-41
“35) James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, *came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36) And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37) They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 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 to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39) They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40) But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41) Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John.” Mark 10:35-41
Jesus was heading to the cross and His disciples were arguing about the crown. James and John were campaigning for the highest positions in His coming kingdom.
The only good news about this story was that they genuinely believed Jesus was the Messiah. From childhood they had heard that the coming Messiah was going to free Israel and restore the kingdom of David. He was going to rule as a King. They wanted to occupy the highest positions on His coming kingdom.
The problem was their theology didn’t include His suffering, death on the cross, resurrection or the church age. Though He tried to prepare them in the previous two verses, it did not fit their theology. They were blind.
When the others heard of this campaign by the sons of Zebedee, they became indignant. They were jealous. His earthly ministry was coming down to the final week and His team was disentegradrng from within.
Satan often attacks the team. He seeks to undermine leadership and derail focus. There is always trouble when Christians seek personal agendas. There is no room in the Kingdom of God for the pride, self promotion and corruption of the world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“35) James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, *came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36) And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37) They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 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 to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39) They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40) But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41) Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John.” Mark 10:35-41
Jesus was heading to the cross and His disciples were arguing about the crown. James and John were campaigning for the highest positions in His coming kingdom.
The only good news about this story was that they genuinely believed Jesus was the Messiah. From childhood they had heard that the coming Messiah was going to free Israel and restore the kingdom of David. He was going to rule as a King. They wanted to occupy the highest positions on His coming kingdom.
The problem was their theology didn’t include His suffering, death on the cross, resurrection or the church age. Though He tried to prepare them in the previous two verses, it did not fit their theology. They were blind.
When the others heard of this campaign by the sons of Zebedee, they became indignant. They were jealous. His earthly ministry was coming down to the final week and His team was disentegradrng from within.
Satan often attacks the team. He seeks to undermine leadership and derail focus. There is always trouble when Christians seek personal agendas. There is no room in the Kingdom of God for the pride, self promotion and corruption of the world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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