Mark 10:32 - 45

As I read the text today, I can picture my dad looking at me in disbelief.

Consider, in Mark 10:31 Jesus says, “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Then, he goes to tell them again about his death.

Their reaction?

Two of them ask Jesus for places on honor. They want to be “great”!

It is easy to stand outside the story and be critical of the disciples, but I don’t believe that is why Mark gives us this episode. 

Today we have an all too familiar situation. It is the situation of when we, as people, have such powerful images in our minds-eye, that we cannot see, or hear, the actual situation. What are the images James and John have? Can you relate?

I, and others, have commented how we should not be too critical of the disciples. They have grown with an image of the Messiah that is very different than Jesus. They also have not received the Holy Spirit. In some ways, the proverbial deck is stacked against them.

Jesus for his part does not give them my father’s look of disbelief. Rather, he takes their request at face value and asks them if they are able to fulfil what those seats of honor will demand. He spends a bit of time taking them through the painful reality of what awaits him.

I find Jesus’ reaction rather amazing.

Jesus never appears disappointed in us. He does not mock us for silly requests. Rather, Jesus meets us where we are, and invites us to journey with him. 

If the reason the disciples are having difficulty seeing and hearing Jesus is because of the image they have of him in their mind’s eye, how about us?

Consider three thought experiments. 

1.     What are some of the images the modern-day Christianity present about Jesus? Can you make a short list?

2.     Do today’s followers of Jesus want to have places of honor?

3.     What are the images you have of Jesus? Can you write that list down next to the list from number one?

4.     What are the images you have of Jesus from reading Mark’s Gospel to this point?

As you stare at all these lists, where is the disconnect? Are there any?

Speak with Jesus right now. Ask him to help you see him as you need to today.