Mark 10,35-45. (R)
Immediately preceding this gospel passage, Jesus has predicted for the third time that he is destined to suffer, die and rise from the dead. James’s and John’s request for places of honour at his right and his left side show how out of touch with Jesus’ thoughts they are. Jesus’ mild rebuke that they do not know what they are asking for is followed by a question as to whether they can share the cup of suffering or be baptised with the baptism with which he is being baptised. In their ignorance and presumption, they say they can. Baptism was often used as a metaphor for suffering. Paul speaks of being baptised into Jesus’ death. (Rom 6,3). Later at the Last Supper (14,24) and in Gethsemane (14,36) the symbolism of cup for suffering is used by Jesus.
Jesus promises James and John a part in his suffering, but it is not for him to give them places in his kingdom, nor to know when the kingdom will come (13,32) – these are the Father’s business.
The ten disciples were indignant with James and John for their selfish request to Jesus, and perhaps, because they thought that they had missed out?
After each prophecy of the Passion the disciples get things completely wrong. Here, James and John show how much they misunderstand Jesus by talking about their own ambitions, receiving positions of honour, just after he has talked about his forthcoming humiliation, suffering and death. They’re not on his wavelength. As on the two previous occasions when he predicted his passion and death, they misunderstood him. Jesus, again, calls his disciples to him (10,42); cf. 8,34; 9,35), and gives them a correct understanding of what it means to be his followers, his disciples. He points out that among the pagans, who have no faith in God, their rulers make their power and authority felt by dominating and controlling the lives of their subjects, behaving like little gods, as the Roman emperors and officials often did. Among Jesus’ followers, because of their faith in God and their love for each other, the opposite must be the case. The great must be noted for their service (diakonia) of others, and the selfish and ambitious who seek position, preference or prestige must learn to be servants/slaves of others – not masters. Jesus, who “came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many,” is the perfect exemplar of service, the paradigm for true discipleship.
His example of selfless service is the norm for his disciples and for all who wish to follow him. It speaks for itself. James and John and the other disciples betray a very human, worldly, selfish, and common desire for power, privilege and position.
The fact that Jesus had to call his disciples to himself to re-teach them after their misunderstanding of each his three predictions of the Passion shows how ingrained was their flawed thinking about service and discipleship. They were more concerned about personal advantage than service of others.
His graphic image of true discipleship speaks for all time and challenge all who serve the Lord and his flock.
Fr Geoff O’Grady