And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But sit shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:35-44 ESV).
The last week of Jesus’ life was only a few days away. The cross was near. Would you dare ask Jesus what James and John asked, saying in effect that they wanted the best seats in his kingdom? James and John forgot that the path to greatness involves service. They wanted power and privilege. They wanted to be served. But that would not be the path for them. They would suffer for following Jesus. They would suffer in ways like he suffered.
These words of Jesus are the theme verses of the book of Mark. They capture the essence of why Jesus came to live among us. He didn’t come for greatness; he came to give his life. Serving others was his mission. Others always came first for Jesus. His service culminated at the cross, where he showed his greatest love in laying down his life for us.
When we have a mountaintop experience with the Lord we are often tempted to look for greatness. It is now more than ever that we need to focus on the cross and remember how Jesus served. The more mature believer is essential in helping the younger believers to find their path of service with humility and greatness will follow. We must not get mired in the thoughts of who will be greatest.