to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized in the way I am baptized?” They answered, “We can.” And Jesus told them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink; and you will be baptized in the way that I am baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others.” On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John. Jesus then called them to him and said, “As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations behave like tyrants, and those in authority oppress the people. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man, who has not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life to redeem many.”
Reflections
You don’t know what you are asking In requesting to be seated at Jesus’ left and right, James and John did not have in mind Jesus’ exhalation in heaven, but very likely Jesus’ ascent to power as the Messiah, the spiritual and political leader of Israel. The disciples were not thinking of Jesus’ resurrection and redemption from sin and death but liberation from Roman captivity. We present to the Lord our petitions and needs. Often the Lord responds not according to our expectations, but according to his mysterious will and plans, which, from hindsight we discover, are far more beautiful than our initial requests.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2018