One day, two disciples asked Jesus for positions of power and prestige. In Mark 10:35, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” asked to sit at Jesus’ left and right “in your glory.” “Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We are able,” they told him. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” (Mark 10:38–40, CSB)
James became one of the early martyrs for Christ (Acts 12:2). John is the only disciple not to be martyred, but he was exiled and suffered for the Gospel in other ways. They did drink the cup and baptism of suffering as Christ suffered.
The other disciples heard their bold and audacious request and became upset. Who made you special? They may have said. Jesus used this for a teaching moment. “Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to 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.” (Mark 10:42–45, CSB)
Want to be great in Christ’s Kingdom? Serve others. Want to be counted as first? Be a slave to all. Christian leaders are not to be task masters, but servants. Many people believe that titles and positions in the church are sources of authority and power to be acquired. Some leaders lord over their flock in an unChristlike way. However, many manage their flock in the true sense of servant leadership, serving others in Christlikeness.
Paul would later write, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” (Philippians 2:3–6, CSB)
James and John had stars in their eyes when they asked to sit in the seats of power next to Jesus. They only saw the benefit without seeing the cost. A cost they would pay, but a glory they would enter. Both became servant-leaders, both laid down their lives. One in martyrdom, the other in a lifetime of service. Will they be at Jesus’ right and left hand in heaven – only the Father knows that. But in a larger sense, it doesn’t matter. And that was Jesus’ point. Positions mean little; serving others means everything. The question is – how will you serve others and serve Christ?
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