Mark 10:35-40 “The Desire for Recognition and Aspiration for Elevation”

Mark 10:35-40 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Chris Tomlin – Not to Us
• Israel & New Breed – Jesus At the Center
• Make Me A Servant by Maranatha
• Jesus My Everything | Common Gathering

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45) – Bible Story for Kids
• Shine His Light | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing
• I Will Follow | Kids Worship | Lyrics and Actions
• In You Alone | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

James and John assumed that Jesus’ words about his death and resurrection must have had a different meaning. They believed that his journey to Jerusalem was to establish an eternal kingdom as the Messiah. Because of this, they boldly approached Jesus and asked him to grant them whatever they requested (v. 36). They made this request, believing that Jesus had given them special treatment among the twelve disciples.

When Jesus asked them what they wanted, they replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (v. 37). Here, “in your glory” refers to the moment when Jesus establishes the Messianic kingdom and takes his place as its King. The “right” and “left” signify positions of the highest authority. The disciples often argued about who would be recognized as the greatest when the Messianic kingdom was established (Mark 9:33-34). In making this request, James and John were essentially trying to secure their places ahead of the others.

Then Jesus responded, “You do not know what you are asking” (v. 38). This meant that what Jesus, as the Messiah, was about to do was entirely different from what they were expecting. He then asked them, “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” They assumed he was referring to a victory celebration. They confidently answered, “We can” (v. 39). Jesus then told them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with” (v. 39). The “cup” and “baptism” were metaphors for suffering and death. This was, in a way, a prophecy: while they anticipated a toast of triumph, they would instead partake in the cup of suffering and death. Indeed, James became the first among the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:1-5).

Jesus continued, “To sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared” (v. 40). In God’s kingdom, assignments and honors are entirely under God’s authority. As the righteous and sovereign Lord, he will determine these matters according to his will. Our role is to focus on fulfilling our calling here on earth rather than seeking positions of honor.

Meditation:

Through the words and actions of James and John, we see within ourselves the desire for recognition and the desire for elevation. These desires exist in everyone. They were initially gifts from God, but sin corrupted them. When tainted by sin, these desires lead us to seek what we should not desire and to cross boundaries we should not overstep. They make us see others as competitors and drive us to win at all costs. This is why James and John tried to get ahead of them despite having spent three years together with their fellow disciples to secure the highest positions. When these desires consume us, we abandon our dignity as human beings and degrade ourselves into something basic.

As they traveled toward Jerusalem, Jesus repeatedly explained the suffering, death, and resurrection he would endure. Yet, it is astonishing that the disciples still refused to listen truly. This reveals just how deeply ingrained their preconceived notions about the Messiah and his kingdom were. It also shows that they were still consumed by their desire for recognition and aspiration for elevation.

This makes the transformation they underwent after Pentecost even more remarkable. They became entirely different people after encountering the risen Lord and being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. James, who once sought the highest position in the Messianic kingdom, paradoxically received the honor of being the first among the twelve apostles to be martyred. After experiencing the risen Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples realized that the victory toast they once longed for was actually a cup of suffering, and the glory they sought was ultimately fleeting and meaningless.

Their sinful nature, which had once held their desires captive, was healed. Only then were they truly freed from their need for recognition and their craving for status, allowing them to live according to God’s will. They let go of their ambition to rule over others and instead humbled themselves to serve. This was because they understood that the Messiah’s kingdom was established only through love and service.

Prayer:

Lord, we still often stumble because of our desire for recognition and aspiration for elevation. Outwardly, we may appear humble, but deep within, the desire to be exalted still lingers. Oh Lord, have mercy on us. Remove this deeply rooted sinfulness from within us so that our eyes may be fixed only on you. Help us humble ourselves and serve others in this world so we may always live in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True greatness in God’s kingdom is not about being first or having the highest position but about humbling ourselves and serving others with love. When we focus on Jesus instead of seeking recognition, we find true purpose and joy.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • James and John wanted to sit next to Jesus in his kingdom. Why do you think they asked for that?
  • Jesus says the greatest people in his kingdom serve others. What is one small way you can help or serve someone this week?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus said that following Him means drinking from his cup—what do you think he meant by that?
  • Have you ever felt like you needed to be noticed or praised? How can we shift our focus from being recognized to serving others like Jesus?
• For High School
  • James and John wanted positions of honor, but Jesus challenged them to think differently. How does this challenge relate to our pressures in school, sports, or social groups?
  • Jesus showed that true glory comes through humility and sacrifice. How can we practice quiet acts of service without seeking attention or recognition?