Mark 10:35 – “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, James and John approach Jesus with a bold request. They begin by calling Him “Teacher,” acknowledging His authority, but their approach is self-centered. They ask Jesus to grant their request without even telling Him what it is yet. This approach shows a mixture of ambition and a lack of understanding of Jesus’ mission.
Their request, as revealed in the following verses, is to sit at Jesus’ right and left in His glory (Mark 10:37). They are asking for positions of honor and power in what they likely imagine will be a political or earthly kingdom. At this point, they do not fully grasp that Jesus’ glory will be revealed through His suffering and death, not through earthly power.
This moment reveals their human desire for recognition and status, but it also highlights an important teaching opportunity for Jesus. He will use this request to explain what true greatness looks like in God’s kingdom: serving others rather than seeking personal glory.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, it was common to seek positions of honor and favor from those in authority. The idea of sitting at a king’s right or left was symbolic of being in a position of power and influence. James and John, like many Jews of their time, likely expected the Messiah to establish a political kingdom that would free Israel from Roman rule. They wanted to secure important positions in that kingdom, assuming that Jesus’ reign would bring earthly power and prestige.
Their request also reflects the honor-shame culture of the time, where status and recognition were highly valued. The desire to be seen as important was deeply ingrained in society, making their ambition more understandable, even if it was misguided.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the contrast between human ambition and God’s vision for greatness. James and John seek personal glory, but Jesus will soon teach them that greatness in His kingdom is measured by humility and service, not by power or status. Mark 10:43-44 explains that whoever wants to be great must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all.
Theologically, this verse also highlights the disciples’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. They are thinking in terms of earthly kingdoms, but Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual and eternal. His path to glory involves suffering and sacrifice, not political power. This teaches us that God’s ways are often very different from human expectations.
Additionally, the request of James and John reflects the human tendency to prioritize personal desires over God’s will. Even well-meaning followers of Christ can fall into this trap, which is why Jesus calls His followers to seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).
Literary Analysis
Mark presents this scene as part of a larger section where Jesus is teaching His disciples about His coming death and resurrection. The contrast between Jesus’ prediction of suffering (Mark 10:33-34) and the disciples’ request for honor is striking. While Jesus is focused on fulfilling God’s plan through humility and sacrifice, James and John are focused on their own advancement.
The phrase “we want you to do for us whatever we ask” is bold and somewhat presumptuous. It reflects a sense of entitlement and reveals their limited understanding of who Jesus truly is. The structure of the passage highlights their self-centered request, which Jesus will soon redirect into a lesson about servanthood.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 20:20-21 – The same request is recorded, but with their mother asking on their behalf.
- Mark 9:33-35 – Jesus teaches that anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all.
- Philippians 2:3-5 – Paul teaches that believers should follow Christ’s example of humility, putting others before themselves.
- James 4:3 – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
These cross-references highlight the theme of humility and the importance of seeking God’s will over personal desires.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to check our motives when we approach God. Like James and John, we can sometimes approach God with requests that are rooted in personal ambition or selfish desires. Instead of seeking positions of honor or recognition, we are called to seek God’s will and trust that His plans for us are good.
This verse also challenges us to rethink what greatness means. The world often defines success as power, status, and recognition, but Jesus defines it as humility, service, and obedience to God. True greatness comes not from being served but from serving others.
Additionally, this passage encourages us to be patient with ourselves and others when we misunderstand God’s plans. The disciples didn’t grasp everything right away, but Jesus patiently taught them. In the same way, we should be willing to learn and grow as we follow Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way Jesus responds to James and John’s request. He doesn’t rebuke them harshly or reject them. Instead, He patiently teaches them about what true greatness looks like in His kingdom. This reflects God’s love and patience with us when we don’t fully understand His plans.
God’s love is also seen in His willingness to provide what we truly need, even when we ask for the wrong things. While James and John asked for positions of honor, Jesus offered them something far greater: the opportunity to serve and participate in God’s mission of redemption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ response to James and John points to His role as the ultimate servant. In the verses that follow, He explains that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus exemplifies the humility and selflessness that He calls His followers to imitate.
His path to glory involved suffering and sacrifice, not power and prestige. By following Him, believers learn that true greatness comes through surrendering personal ambition and serving others in love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach us about the human desire for recognition and status?
- Have you ever asked God for something that was rooted in personal ambition rather than His will? How did you respond to His answer?
- How can we learn to seek God’s will over our own desires, especially when it comes to positions of leadership or influence?
- What does true greatness look like in God’s kingdom, and how can you live that out in your daily life?
- How does Jesus’ example of humility and service challenge the way you think about success?
- How can you encourage others to embrace a servant-hearted attitude in their relationship with God and others?