The Request of James and John

Today's Reflections

The Request of James and John 

graceandspace.org

Mt 20:20-28

²⁰The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached [Jesus] with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. ²¹He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” ²²Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” ²³He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left [, this] is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” ²⁴When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. ²⁵But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. ²⁶But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; ²⁷whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. ²⁸Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection:

Whoever wishes to be great. Here we see the disciples’ worldly ambitions in action. To sit at the right hand or left connotes a position of authority, of exaltation, or of favored status. In those days, the prime ministers sit next to the king. Not only are the mother and her sons guilty here. The other disciples also become indignant because they are bypassed. Everyone thinks he is qualified to be at Jesus’ right hand or left.

Jesus corrects their mistaken idea of greatness. He tells his disciples that greatness lies in the ability to suffer with him and for him. They should be available to accept and carry his cross. To be great is to be of service to the point of dying for the flock. It is not about power or authority. It is not to lord over people but to serve, bearing one’s burden without complaint and with loving dedication. Greatness is giving one’s life as a ransom for many.

Are we willing to serve

without being noticed or rewarded?

Are we willing to give up authority

to show that we are at the service of God?