James and John Ask for Places of Honour

The mother of James and John came to Jesus with her two sons and knelt before him. Jesus asked what she wanted. She asked that her sons might sit in places of honour, one at his right hand and one at his left, in his kingdom. Mark reports this same request with James and John speaking directly to Jesus.

Jesus answered that they did not understand what they were asking. He asked whether they were able to drink the cup he was about to drink and share the baptism he would face. They replied that they were able.

Jesus said that they would indeed drink his cup. But he also said that the places at his right and left were not his to give. In Matthew, Jesus says those places have been prepared by his Father.

When the other ten disciples heard about this, they became indignant with the two brothers. So Jesus called them together. He said that the rulers of the nations like to show their power and exercise authority over others.

Then Jesus told his disciples that it must not be that way among them. Whoever wanted to be great should become a servant, and whoever wanted to be first should become a servant of all. Jesus himself came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. How can we choose service instead of honour for ourselves?