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Mark 
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Day 233

2 Peter 3:15a "And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvationâ?¦" 2 Peter 3:15a"

Day 233 – Mark 10

“And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvationâ?¦” 2 Peter 3:15a

THE ISSUE OF “GREATNESS” AGAIN

The Disciples, on one occasion, discussed the question of “greatness”. This became a dispute among them (Cf. Mark 9:34). Jesus addressed this issue when it came up, but apparently, the thought of greatness still remained in the hearts and minds of the Disciples. James and John, did not actually mention “greatness” but bold as brass, they made a request to Jesus.

“‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’
And He said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
They said to Him, ‘Grant us that we may sit, one on Your
right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.'”
MARK 10:35-37

James and John imagined themselves sitting on the left and right of Jesus, the Messianic-King! How boldly they thought of themselves as worthy of such honour!

SPIRITUALLY IMMATURE THINKING

Jesus knew that His Disciples were still far from reaching full spiritual maturity, and hence such statements were uttered. They had to be corrected!

“You do not know what you ask.
‘Are you able to drink the cup that I drink,
and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’
They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So Jesus said to them,
‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink,
and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized;
but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine
to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.'” MARK 10:38-40

1. A degree of ignorance

The request stemmed from ignorance of how the kingdom of God works!

2. More basic questions must first be raised and answered

The “cup” and “baptism” that Jesus made reference to had to do with His suffering! Did James and John think they could endure great suffering too?

3. Prepared for whom it is prepared

a) Jesus in His humanity would not speak of what He could do.
b) Deference was given to God the Father as the One who would grant the rewards.

This attempt of James and John stirred up the ire of their fellow disciples (Mark 10:41). They must have felt that the two brothers had tried to steal a march on them!