Mark 10:36 – “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus responds to James and John’s bold request, asking them, “What do you want me to do for you?” His question is significant because it shows that Jesus is willing to listen, even when the request comes from a place of misunderstanding or ambition. Instead of immediately rebuking them, He opens the door for them to express their desires. However, this question is also an invitation for them to reflect on the nature of their request.

Jesus knows what they are going to ask for, but by asking this question, He is guiding them to see their own motives. He is not merely interested in fulfilling their desires—He wants them to understand the difference between seeking worldly honor and seeking God’s kingdom. Through this question, Jesus sets the stage for a deeper teaching on humility and servanthood.

Historical Context

In the time of Jesus, teachers and rabbis often responded to questions with another question to draw out deeper reflection or to challenge someone’s thinking. Jesus’ response follows this pattern. Although He had just predicted His suffering and death (Mark 10:33-34), James and John’s focus is still on positions of honor and power. Their misunderstanding reflects the broader expectation among many Jews that the Messiah would establish an earthly kingdom, freeing them from Roman oppression.

By asking them what they want, Jesus is giving them a chance to clarify their request while also setting up a lesson about the true nature of His kingdom. In a culture where social status and recognition were highly valued, Jesus is about to teach that greatness comes through serving others, not through power or privilege.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the patience and grace of Jesus. Even when His disciples approach Him with self-centered motives, He does not reject them. Instead, He guides them toward a better understanding of what it means to follow Him. This reflects the way God often deals with His people—He listens to our requests, even when they are misguided, and leads us toward what we truly need.

Theologically, this verse also raises the question of prayer and motives. When we bring our requests to God, do we do so with a heart that seeks His will, or are we primarily focused on our own desires? James 4:3 warns that prayers driven by selfish motives will not be answered as we expect. This verse reminds us to examine our hearts when we approach God, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

Additionally, Jesus’ willingness to engage in conversation shows that God desires a personal relationship with His people. He invites us to bring our requests to Him, not because He is unaware of our needs but because He wants us to grow in trust and dependence on Him.

Literary Analysis

The simplicity of the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” contrasts with the weight of what Jesus had just predicted—His betrayal, suffering, and death. This literary contrast highlights the disciples’ misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ mission. They are focused on positions of glory, while Jesus is focused on His impending sacrifice.

The question is open-ended, allowing James and John to express their desires, but it also creates anticipation for the reader. Mark’s Gospel often presents moments of tension followed by important lessons, and this is one of those moments. The structure of the narrative invites reflection on what it means to approach Jesus with requests and how He responds to human ambition.

Biblical Cross-References

• 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.”
• Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (A reminder that our requests should align with God’s will.)
• John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
• 1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

These passages emphasize the importance of aligning our requests with God’s will and seeking His glory rather than our own.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to approach God with humility and a heart that is open to His correction. Like James and John, we may sometimes bring requests to God that reflect our own desires for success, recognition, or comfort. But Jesus’ question challenges us to think deeply about what we are asking for and why.

This verse also encourages believers to trust that God listens to their prayers, even when their motives aren’t perfect. Jesus didn’t turn James and John away—He used the opportunity to teach them. In the same way, God can use our prayers as moments of growth, guiding us to desire what is truly good and beneficial according to His plan.

Additionally, this verse reminds us that Jesus is approachable. He invites His followers to come to Him with their needs and concerns, even when they don’t have everything figured out. The key is to remain open to His guidance and correction.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way Jesus listens patiently and invites James and John to express their desires. He doesn’t dismiss them, even though their motives are flawed. Instead, He lovingly leads them toward a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Him.

God’s love is also reflected in His willingness to meet us where we are. He understands our weaknesses and shortcomings, but He doesn’t leave us there. His love involves teaching, correcting, and transforming us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him and learn to align our desires with His will.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ response in this verse points to His role as both a teacher and a servant. Although He is the King of kings, He doesn’t act with arrogance or impatience. Instead, He engages with His disciples on a personal level, showing that He is a compassionate leader who desires to guide His followers gently.

This verse also connects to Jesus’ ultimate act of service on the cross. James and John are seeking positions of honor, but Jesus is about to demonstrate that true greatness comes through humility and sacrifice. His willingness to die for humanity shows the depth of His love and the kind of selflessness that He calls His followers to embrace.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you usually approach God with your requests? Are you seeking His will or primarily focused on your own desires?
2. What does this verse teach you about God’s patience and willingness to listen to us, even when our motives are flawed?
3. Can you think of a time when God used a prayer request to teach you something important about yourself or His plan?
4. How can you align your prayers more closely with God’s will rather than your own ambitions?
5. What does Jesus’ example of humility and patience in this verse teach you about how to interact with others, especially when they make mistakes or misunderstand God’s plans?
6. How does reflecting on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice challenge you to rethink what you ask for in prayer and how you define greatness in God’s kingdom?