Mark 10:38 – “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus responds to James and John’s request to sit at His right and left in His glory (Mark 10:37). His response, “You don’t know what you are asking,” shows that their request comes from a place of misunderstanding. They are thinking of glory in terms of honor, power, and status, but Jesus’ glory will be revealed through suffering and sacrifice. They do not realize that to share in His glory, they must also share in His suffering.
Jesus uses two symbolic phrases to describe His coming suffering: “drink the cup” and “be baptized with the baptism.” In the Old Testament, the “cup” often symbolized God’s judgment or suffering (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17). Jesus is referring to the suffering He will endure, especially His death on the cross. The “baptism” He mentions is a metaphor for being overwhelmed or immersed in suffering. Together, these phrases indicate that following Jesus involves more than glory—it requires a willingness to suffer for the sake of God’s plan.
Historical Context
At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the disciples still have a limited understanding of His mission. They believe that He will establish an earthly kingdom and overthrow Roman rule, and they want to secure important roles in that kingdom. However, Jesus has been trying to teach them that His path to glory involves suffering, rejection, and death (Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:33-34).
The idea of “drinking a cup” or experiencing a form of baptism through suffering would not have been immediately clear to the disciples, who were still thinking in terms of victory and power. However, Jesus’ words foreshadow the suffering they will eventually experience as His followers. Both James and John will face persecution, with James being martyred (Acts 12:2) and John enduring exile (Revelation 1:9).
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important theological truths:
- Discipleship Requires Sacrifice: Following Jesus is not about seeking personal glory or comfort. It involves sharing in His suffering and being willing to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Philippians 1:29 says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” This verse reminds believers that suffering is part of the Christian life, but it is also the path to glory.
- Jesus’ Suffering Is Unique: The cup Jesus drinks is ultimately the cup of God’s wrath against sin, which He takes on behalf of humanity. His baptism into suffering is a one-time, redemptive event that secures salvation for those who believe. While believers share in suffering, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is unique and cannot be repeated by anyone else.
- God’s Sovereignty: The fact that Jesus knows about His coming suffering and willingly accepts it demonstrates His obedience to God’s plan. He is not a victim of circumstance but an active participant in fulfilling God’s mission of redemption.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses metaphorical language to convey deep spiritual truths. The “cup” and “baptism” represent suffering, but they also imply a sense of submission and obedience. In ancient times, drinking from a cup often symbolized accepting one’s fate, whether good or bad. The word “baptism” suggests being overwhelmed, as if submerged in water, reflecting the intensity of the suffering Jesus will endure.
The tone of Jesus’ response is serious and sobering. His words, “You don’t know what you are asking,” highlight the gravity of the disciples’ request. They are seeking honor without understanding the cost of following Him. The structure of the verse, with Jesus posing a question to James and John, invites reflection. It is not a rebuke but an invitation to consider the true meaning of discipleship.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:10-11 – The suffering servant bears the iniquities of many and is crushed for our sins, pointing to Jesus’ role as the one who drinks the cup of God’s wrath.
- Psalm 75:8 – “In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.”
- Luke 22:42 – In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
- Romans 8:17 – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
These passages reinforce the connection between suffering and God’s plan of redemption, as well as the call for believers to share in Christ’s suffering.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that following Jesus is not about seeking personal gain or avoiding hardship. True discipleship involves sacrifice, obedience, and trust in God’s plan, even when it involves suffering. While many people want the rewards of faith, such as peace, joy, and eternal life, this verse challenges believers to embrace the full reality of discipleship, including the difficulties that come with it.
This verse also calls believers to reflect on their motives. Are we following Jesus for what we can gain, or are we willing to follow Him even when it means sacrifice? Jesus’ words remind us that true faith is about surrendering our will to God and trusting Him in both good times and bad.
Finally, this verse encourages Christians to take comfort in the fact that Jesus understands our suffering. He drank the cup of suffering first, and because of His victory, we can face trials with confidence, knowing that God’s plan is ultimately for our good.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that Jesus willingly drinks the cup of suffering for the sake of humanity. He did not deserve to suffer, but He chose to endure it out of love for us. John 3:16 reminds us that God’s love is the reason Jesus came into the world and gave His life.
God’s love is also shown in His patience with James and John. Rather than condemning them for their ambition, Jesus lovingly guides them toward understanding what it truly means to follow Him. This reflects God’s desire to help His followers grow in faith and maturity, even when they start with the wrong motives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse, as He is the one who will drink the cup and undergo the baptism of suffering. His willingness to face these trials demonstrates His obedience to God’s will and His role as the Savior who bears the punishment for sin. His suffering is not just an example for believers—it is the means by which salvation is made possible.
This verse also points forward to Jesus’ ultimate victory. Though the path involves suffering, it leads to resurrection and glory. For believers, this means that sharing in Christ’s suffering is not the end of the story. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, those who follow Him will also experience victory and eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about the cost of following Jesus?
- Have you ever found yourself seeking personal glory or rewards in your relationship with God? How did you respond when faced with the reality of sacrifice?
- How can you better prepare your heart to face challenges and suffering as part of your faith journey?
- What does it mean for you personally to “drink the cup” or “be baptized” with suffering in the context of your faith?
- How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer for humanity inspire you to trust God in your own trials?
- In what ways can you encourage others who are struggling to see that suffering is part of God’s plan for growth and eventual victory?