Fifth Sunday in Lent: Gospel, Mark 10:35-45                         

Mark 10:35-45

So much conveyed in this narrative. A “pregnant passage” without question. James and John, some of the founding members of the apostolic band have just heard Jesus highlight his upcoming death and resurrection for the third time. No doubt they were beginning to get some of the coming drama, but of course were still far short of the import. But they had been listening to Jesus teach them about prayer as well. One critical key in prayer was to “ask away.” Asking in the name of Jesus-according to his will and plan-would render the best results. The results you were asking for. So their query, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). Sounds like faithful students obeying the counsel of their teacher.

But clearly mixed in was the reality of what Jesus was pointing to in his death and resurrection instruction. Perhaps they are beginning to see that the world they know won’t be the world that lasts. And they love their Master and want to be in on the future action. No fault to be found there. Jesus does not chastise them for their candor instead he asks them to be clear. So thinking forward perhaps to what they think the world we entail with their Master in control they ask, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory” (v.37).

Now some tough honesty from Jesus to his disciples. “You do not know what you are asking” (v.38). Jesus goes on to highlight that to sit at his right hand and left entails all that Jesus will endure. We know that for a couple reasons. He refers to “cup” and “baptism.” Judgment under full identification with all sinners who have ever lived. Only God can endure that. And he gives them indication they’re asking for too heavy a burden to carry. But there is another reason why we know what Jesus refers to specifically. 

Historically, the church has always seen Jesus “coming in glory,” “in his Kingdom” as he is exalted on the throne of the cross. And at Jesus’ cross, what would it mean for James and John to be one on the Master's right and one at his left? In a rather amazing statement Jesus defers to the will of the Father in saying to the brothers, “ … 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” (v. 40). 

What can they take from Jesus denying an honest and forthright request? That in hearing Jesus threefold instruction on his upcoming death and rising again, they can rest assured that all is well in hand with the Father. While their question reveals they still have much to understand. And even, as the rest of the passage indicates, their motivation may have been a bit cockeyed, I think we too should desire to have a part in the Kingdom Jesus will soon usher in fully.

We pray: Lord Jesus,  like James and John we want to be in the thick of your Kingdom in the ages to come. But help us to desire to be in the middle of what you are doing in this world now. So that there may be more to praise and give you thanks in the next. In your name we ask, Amen!