Seating Arrangements

READ

"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask." These words from James and John could easily be the subtitle of a "How Not to Approach Jesus" guidebook. The scene unfolds like a masterclass in misunderstanding, with two of Jesus's closest disciples making what might be the most tone-deaf request imaginable. Jesus has just finished explaining, for the third time, that he's heading toward suffering and death in Jerusalem. Their response? "Hey, about those seating arrangements in your kingdom..."

Let’s take a moment to read Mark 10:35-45: 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of 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.”

REFLECT

These weren't just two random followers – these were part of Jesus's inner circle, men who had witnessed his miracles, heard his teachings and spent countless hours in his presence. Yet even they struggled with the very human desire for recognition and status. What makes this moment so compelling isn't just the audacity of their request – it's how painfully relatable it is. We might never verbalize it so boldly, but how often do our prayers sound similar? "Lord, I'll follow you anywhere... as long as it comes with a promotion." "Jesus, I'm all in... but could you make sure I get the recognition I deserve?" Their request peels back the layers of our own hearts, revealing how easily we can mistake following Jesus for a path to personal advancement.

Jesus's response is masterful. Rather than simply shutting down their request, he uses it as a teaching moment about true greatness. He asks them, "Can you drink the cup I drink?" It's a loaded question, rich with meaning. In biblical imagery, a "cup" often symbolizes one's destiny or lot in life, particularly suffering. Jesus is essentially asking, "Are you ready to face what I'm about to face?"

The irony is that James and John confidently declare, "We can!" without truly understanding what they're signing up for. It's like enthusiastically agreeing to run a marathon without realizing the months of training and sacrifice it requires. Jesus knows they will indeed share in his suffering (James would become the first apostle martyred, and John would face exile), but their request still misses the point of his kingdom.

The real heart of this passage comes when Jesus gathers all the disciples, addressing the indignation that has broken out among them. He presents a revolutionary concept of leadership that turns worldly power structures upside down: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." In a world obsessed with climbing the ladder, Jesus says true greatness comes from climbing down.

This isn't just abstract theology – Jesus Himself models this servant leadership. He points to his mission: "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." The Greek word for "ransom" (lutron) was commonly used for the price paid to free slaves. Jesus is saying that true greatness isn't found in securing the highest position but in sacrificing oneself for others' freedom.

This passage challenges us to examine our motivations in following Jesus. Are we seeking status, recognition, or power? Or are we willing to embrace the path of servant leadership? It's worth noting that Jesus doesn't condemn ambition itself – he redirects it. Instead of striving for positions of honor, we should aspire to excel in serving others.

The beautiful paradox of Jesus's teaching is that true greatness comes through servanthood, and real influence flows from putting others first. In a world that's constantly pushing us to assert our rights, claim our space, and demand recognition, Jesus calls us to a different path – one that leads to a deeper, more meaningful kind of greatness than James and John could have imagined.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• What areas of your life do you find yourself seeking recognition or status rather than opportunities to serve?

• What is one practical way you could shift from a position of authority to one of service in your relationships this week?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

Lord Jesus, thank you for modeling true servant leadership through your life and death. Forgive me for the times I've sought position and power over opportunities to serve others. Help me embrace your upside-down kingdom values, finding joy and purpose in serving those around me as you did. Amen.