He Gives Anything I Want?

We’re taught to rank people according to who’s best and worst, who’s important and who isn’t. And because of this, we often want higher status for ourselves whenever possible. So Salome’s instruction for James and John to “get ahead in this world” doesn’t come as a surprise, and she supports it with a startling justification: “[Jesus] said you can ask him for anything, and he will give it to you! Just ask him!”

Did Jesus actually mean that though? We can ask for whatever we want and—just like that—it’ll be ours?

When you examine Jesus’ claim in light of his other teachings, you’ll see how Jesus qualifies and clarifies this idea. He’s not saying, “Ask whatever, and I’ll do it.” The context of his promise invites his disciples to reflect first and then ask (or don’t).

Because we now engage with Jesus’ words as Scripture, let’s talk briefly about the study of the Bible. It needs to be interpreted carefully, according to its design.

It’s always better to use things as their designers intended. Imagine using a cell phone to chop a tree down—not the best idea. Similarly, using the Bible to make claims based on a surface-level reading of single sentences won’t work well.

The Bible is ancient meditation literature, which means it lacks detail modern readers may expect, and it can be ambiguous. Its authors want readers to consider things like context and literary themes and patterns woven throughout the whole Bible. It’s designed for thoughtful learning with others. We are meant to read and re-read, contemplate, and practice our interpretation over time with the goal of developing wisdom.

Salome and her sons make an unwise request, and Jesus responds, “You don’t know what you’re asking!” Real honor and power, Jesus teaches elsewhere, will come from learning to forgive, bless, and generously care for others according to his love. God lifts up the humble and humbles the proud.

Had Salome and her sons meditated on all of Jesus’ words in order to understand his wisdom, their request would have changed.

When we interpret Jesus’ words, or any part of the Bible, it’s helpful to remember we’re engaging with meditation literature. Then we just might avoid the mistake of Salome and her sons.

Reflection Questions

• How does the BibleProject video about Scripture as ancient Jewish meditation literature relate to the way you previously thought about the Bible?
• After reading the associated Bible passages, how would you describe Salome’s mistake in your own words? What part of Jesus’ teaching was she missing?
• The BibleProject video says that biblical literature often lacks details that modern readers have come to expect, making it seem like simplistic writing. But it’s actually sophisticated, carefully-designed literature. Does that change anything for you in terms of how to approach Scripture? When the Scriptures don’t offer the details you are hoping to find, what can you focus on instead?