When James and John ask Jesus to sit at His right and His left in His kingdom, they’re asking for a life of glory. Not only do they think they’re worthy of these positions of importance, they also think they’re capable of them, which is why they tell Jesus they’re able to drink His cup and receive His baptism. They rather obviously don’t know what these things are, but they’re certain they can do them. In a way, you have to admire the foolish confidence.
But in response, Jesus makes clear to them what it means to be His disciple. The glory of the Christian life comes in service of others, just as it comes in being hated and rejected by the world. Jesus will wear a crown of thorns before He receives the crown of glory in heaven. James and John will do likewise. So will we.
So don’t chase the glory of this world. Don’t try to build a throne for yourself sitting beside Jesus. Don’t insist that everyone in your congregation acknowledge your greatness. Don’t tell yourself that you’re worthy and capable of being a great Christian leader who deserves positions of honor. Serve those around you. Pray for those in need. Befriend the lonely. When others suffer and need a helping hand, give it. When others suffer and need space, give it to them. Practice the oft forgotten art of minding your own business and praying at a distance. When the world hates you for the name of Christ, embrace that hatred as a sign of God’s favor and rejoice that you’ve been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of Christ’s name. In all things, rejoice to drink Christ’s cup and receive His baptism as you wait for the day when you see, in all His unveiled glory, your Lord sitting at the right hand of His Father.
Comments