Unvarnished Jesus: A Lenten JourneyEjemplo

Friday, March 8

Mark 10:32–45

James and John Make A Request of Jesus

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to the capital city of Jerusalem where Jesus is to be crowned King of the Jews. James and John are eager to have prominent positions in Jesus’ kingdom — they want to be on his right and left. Let’s say it this way: they want to be Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense in the new administration. But Jesus tells them they don’t know what they’re asking. Why? Because who was on Jesus’ right and left as he entered the glory of his kingdom? It was the two criminals who were crucified with him. The glory of the kingdom is Jesus Christ crucified. James and John had unwittingly asked to be crucified with Jesus. This should remind us that the kingdom of Christ does not come in the way of worldly power politics.