On the Road to Jerusalem

Picture them, as Mark does, walking on the dusty road from Galilee to Jerusalem. Perhaps they have gathered with other pilgrims going to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Jesus leads the way with the twelve. Other disciples follow. Their emotions are mixed as they reflect all they have witnessed in Galilee.

For the third time, Jesus explains to them what will happen to him in Jerusalem, priming them, the way parents prime their children for a challenging situation that lies ahead. He knew that the Scriptures had to be fulfilled, and perhaps he was thinking in particular of Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Servant.

And then James and John come up with this appalling request. They seem to be thinking that Jesus is going to Jerusalem to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth, celebrating with a great banquet feast. Did they not hear what Jesus just said? Or did they hear and immediately try to deflect it? Or did they simply just not understand what Jesus has now told them for the third time?

"Teacher, will you do us a favour?" (v 36, CEV). How could they be so obtuse?

Then there were the other disciples who were critical—not because of their theology but because James and John had got in first. There was Jesus' right hand and his left hand. Not even room for Peter.

It’s so easy to be critical.

Jesus is proclaiming a total inversion of their values. Following him is not a way to get privilege and recognition. It's not a way to get rich, or even healthy. To follow him is to be the servant of everyone we meet.

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, I'm sorry. I'm so much like James and John. Open my ears to hear what you are teaching me in this passage. Amen.

Glynis Belec