“James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them. They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We are able,” they told him. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45 CSB
I am a big supporter of The Chosen and am so glad that the director chose to show Jesus’s life on screen and it’s done well. If you haven’t watched it the first three seasons are on a few apps. I highly recommend it, especially compared to the other things we watch and binge.
I recently saw played out where James and John asked Jesus for his right and left seats. The disappointment on the face of the actor that played Jesus pricked my heart especially with us knowing why Jesus came to earth in the first place. Here is the most humble servant to ever live and his disciples constantly were worried about who was the greatest and the best. I didn’t see it and say oh look at them but I was like look at me. That plays out in so many ways. I look at how earthly-minded they were as they were physically walking with Jesus. I came home after watching and was pondering on how much attention and affection I give to things on the earth. My comfort, plans and dreams, satisfactions, goals, etc. None of these are evil in themselves (and some may be) and some have things to do with God but what are the deeper motives? Am I a person about his kingdom to my core?
The disciples misunderstood the numerous times Jesus said I came to die and will be raised. They eventually did though and for that, there’s hope for us. Is the kingdom of God and why we are on this earth really in the forefront of our minds? I know and sympathize with all the distractions because I have them too. This world is in real need of the real Jesus of Nazareth and his church are the ones who carry that message in our mouth and the way we live.
Lord, even now I’m so sorry for the many times I’ve dropped that ball and found myself more concerned with my kingdom and life than yours.
Our Lord is rich in mercy and for that I am glad but I still want to sit in this and ponder. Maybe you do too?
Until next time
Demetrius