In the Book of Mark 10:32-45 (below) we read of an account of Jesus prophesying about what things would happen to Him there in Jerusalem, the events that would lead to His crucifixion and ultimate resurrection.

On hearing this in vs 35 we further read of James and John the sons of Zebedee (see also Matthew 20:20) who were also said to be cousins of Yeshua (with some evidence in John 19:25: this lady may even have been Jesus’ aunt), petitioning The Messiah that he should, “grant unto them that they sit, one on the right, the other on the left in His glory” (vs 37).

Clearly this was an arrogant and prideful request of the brothers as Yeshua would go on to say, they do not understand what it is that they’re asking for in vs 38.

Yeshua then asked a very poignant and thought provoking question. He asked “Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

The Apostles however, were so seemingly overcome with the power and authority that could be bestowed upon them that they gave absolutely no thought or consideration to the question imposed on them, so blinded by selfish desire and wrong motives that they hurriedly answered, “Yes!”

The Master then went on to prophecy their fate, the gruesome suffering, persecution and death that would come upon them as He, the martyrdom which would be their portion.

For as we see in the book of Acts 12 the prophecy was fulfilled when James was decapitated by Herod and John though he didn’t die in the same manner, he felt his Master’s sufferings; he lived a long life of persecution, banishment, and distress; he saw all his companions drop off one by one.

Saints, the Kingdom of God and rule is not the same as earthly governance.

James and John did not discern this, they were carnal in their requests and thought that it was their right some how to be above the other disciples.

They never took into consideration that their duty was to serve and not be served.

They followed Christ but never at the time emulated his teachings or character.

Pride, vain glory, self exaltation and selfish motives prompted them instead of humility. Their intent was to exercise a type of Lordship.

The Word of Adonai declares that if we suffer with Christ, we will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12) which means if we endure amidst the persecution, the warfare, the challenges.

Then indeed we will live with, and become priests with Him which is the honor and glory that is prepared for those who will.

Humble yourself under the Mighty hand of Yah and He will exalt you in due season.

Too many have sought for leadership with wrong ambitions, no Christ-like mind.

Are we really willing to drink of the Messiah’s cup and partake of His suffering?

Are we striving for positions of prominence to serve, to lead people to Christ?

Or is it to be served and make names for ourselves, building our own empires and not the Kingdom of the Most High……?

Jesus a Third Time Predicts His Death and Resurrection
“³² Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: ³³ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; ³⁴ and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

Greatness Is Serving
“³⁵ Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
³⁶ And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
³⁷ They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
³⁹ They said to Him, “We are able.”
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; ⁴⁰ but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for thosefor whom it is prepared.”
⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many,” Mark 10:32-45.

 

Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas

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Syreeta Thomas

 

 

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