COMMENTARY ON MARK

LESSON NUMBER 116

           “ ^{Mark 10:35} And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. ³⁶ And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? ³⁷ They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory. ³⁸ But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? ³⁹ And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: ⁴⁰ But to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.” (Mark 10:35-40; Matthew 20:20-23)

A REQUEST WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

INTRODUCTION

               Primarily, the Gospels contain the record of the ministry of Jesus – a ministry that reveal both His Person and purpose. Secondarily, they reveal the experience of the disciples, particularly the twelve, who were chosen to be with Him and be sent forth to preach. In that experience the complete sufficiency of Jesus can be seen. There is no record the disciples and Jesus attending an event where He was not the prominent One, and His ministry was not the fundamental work – including the wedding feast at Cana. There is no record of Jesus taking His disciples to a political event, athletic event, or something entertaining. Even when they were invited to someone’s home for a meal, Jesus was the center of attention. There is no record of them going on a sightseeing tour. It is apparent that in the presence of Jesus such things paled in significance. His words were always the main ones, and there was always a marked emphasis of the Kingdom in them. This is a Jesus to whom many professing Christians have never been subjected – an absolutely dominating One. Notwithstanding, this is the real Jesus. Everyone thinks, speaks, and acts differently when they are knowledgeably in His presence, whether they are righteous or wicked. That is a marvelous commentary on His Person, and His present exaltation. Our text will provide more evidence of these things, revealing the manner in which the disciples thought and spoke when they were our Lord’s presence. Even when their thinking was flawed, it was, in a sense, pointed in the right direction.

GIVE US WHATEVER WE DESIRE

               “ ^{Mark 10:35} And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. ³⁶ And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? ³⁷ They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in Thy glory” (Mark 10:35-37).

               JAMES AND JOHN. The very idea of asking Jesus for any personal benefit is intriguing to consider. It confirms that something was perceived in Him that caused believing men to have hope – to aspire to have something they could not otherwise possess. The scribes and Pharisees never asked Him for such a benefit. When Jesus was in the house of “Simon the leper” (elsewhere identified as a Pharisee, Lk 7:36), he did not ask Jesus for a benefit, and even objected when a sinful woman poured precious ointment upon Him (Matt 26:6-13). The best His enemies could do was ask Jesus questions in an effort to snare Him in His words. But you will find no such action on the part of His disciples.

               Matthew tells us that it was the mother of James and John who came to Jesus, accompanied by her sons – and she came “worshiping Him” (Matt 20:20). Judging from Christ’s response, her sons appear to have requested her to present this supplication, for even in Matthew, Jesus’ answer is directed to James and John, not their mother.

               According to the Gospel accounts, their mother was named Salome (Matt 27:56 with Mk 15:40 and 16:1), and was among the women who traveled with Jesus “when He was in Galilee,” ministering to Him, as stated in (Mark 15:41). She was also present when Jesus gave up is life on the cross (Mk 15:40), and was among the women who came to the tomb with spices to anoint Christ’s body (Mk 16:1). Some have concluded from John’s account of Jesus death, that she was the sister of Mary, the mother of our Lord (John 19:25). However we view the matter, this was certainly no ordinary woman, for she had a great devotion to Jesus.

               WHATSOEVER WE SHALL DESIRE. A lot may be known of a person by where they direct their petitions. Who do they feel is competent to fulfill their desires? Mark says Jesus said to James and John, “What would ye that I should do for you?” Matthew represents Him as answering their mother: “And He said unto her, What wilt thou?” There is no contradiction here, for the desire was representative of how all three of them were thinking. From another point of view, the mother was presenting the expressed desire of her sons.

               WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? However we view the technicalities of the matter, the answer of Jesus tells us much about Himself. Primarily, He IS inclined to grant the desires of those who follow Him. It only remains for those desires to be in harmony with His own will and agenda. It ought to be apparent that this is an aspect of Jesus that is most comforting to those who possess honest and good hearts.

               The answer of Jesus also confirms the nature of James and John, together with their mother. These were people with pure hearts, and they ought not to be considered in any other way, even though their petition lacked wisdom. Jesus never asked one of His enemies what they wanted Him to do for them – not a single one of them.

               SITTING ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS. What kind of request will be made? Whatever it is, it will reveal much of these brothers and their mother. Will they ask for financial security? Perhaps even extended well-being and health? How about exemption from taxes, or a prominent role in Temple activities?

               Both Mark and Matthew use the word “Grant” in the petition (Matt 10:21). This is a request for something to be given that can only come from the Lord Jesus. However strong this desire may have been, the petitioners knew that if Jesus did not give this privilege, it simply could not be possessed.

               Mark tells us that the request was to sit on the right and left hands of Jesus “in Thy glory.” Matthew says, “in Thy kingdom.” It appears evident that Jesus’ answer to the twelve concerning their role in His Kingdom had sparked this request: “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt 19:28). For many, that would have sufficed, but James and John want to sit next to Jesus. I do not think it is proper to think of this as an expression of a lust for power. Jesus had already promised them power – they would sit upon thrones. Even though Jesus had already revealed the keys of the Kingdom would be given to Peter (Matt 16:19), His words concerning Peter had not apparently registered with them.

               It appears clear that this petition was prompted by a misconception of the nature of Christ’s glory and Kingdom – a view they had after Jesus’ resurrection, when He was among them (Acts 1:6). At this time, they could not think in terms of Divine glory, but only of an illustrious worldly kingdom – a sort of revival of Israel’s ancient splendor, as during the times of David and Solomon. As long as Jesus was among them in the flesh, they had this view.

CAN YOU JOIN ME IN WHAT I MUST DO?

               “ ³⁸ But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

               YE KNOW NOT WHAT YE ASK. How gentle the Master is with those who are among His flock! Think of the answers Jesus gave to some of His questioners. “Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites” (Matt 22:18). “Man, who made Me a judge or divider over you?” (Lk 12:14). “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it” (Matt 16:4). The difference in His answers is traced to the hearts of those who asked the questions. In this case, the motives were not wrong, but the question rather proceeded from a state of ignorance. If James and John were engaged in a selfish quest for power, they would not have asked to sit next to Jesus, but to have their own independent thrones. Jesus tells them they did not realize what they were asking. They had a misconception of His rule, and of the one that He had promised they would have.

               Among other things, this blasts the notion that Jesus understands our foolish expressions, and tolerates them lovingly. He did not do this with the disciples, and He will not do it with you. He corrected their thinking by telling them what they would be able to bear. He confirms that places of exaltation are associated with certain preparations. We should learn from this occasion to strive to make spiritually sensitive requests of the Lord.

               CAN YOU DRINK OF THE CUP? The reign of Jesus was, by Divine intention, preceded by a bitter experience. He would be given a cup to drink that could appropriately be called “the cup of trembling,” or “the cup of His fury,” ^NKJV or “cup of His anger,” ^NASB or “cup of His wrath” ^NIV (Isa 51:17,22; Zech 12:2). In drinking from this cup, Jesus would absorb the shock of the curse of God (Gal 3:13). He would “taste death” (Heb 2:9) in a sense impossible to any one else in the flesh. The cup was so dreadful that Jesus thrice petitioned the Father, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Mat 26:39,42,44). Even though the cup was bitter beyond description, and too dreadful to fully express, yet Jesus resolutely determined to drink it, knowing that it was the appointed prelude to glory. Therefore, when Peter sought to defend Him in the garden, Jesus said to him, “Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11).

               The cup Jesus was given to drink was associated with Divine wrath – with the judgment of sin and the cursing of the reprehensible. It was a cup from which all of the wicked shall eventually drink, and was described by the Psalmist. “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and He poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them” (Psa 75:8). Jeremiah referred to such as cup as “the wine cup of this fury” (Jer 25:15).

               Now Jesus asks the petitioners if they are able to drink “of the cup” that He will drink of. Note, He does not ask them if they will be able to drink of a cup like His cup, but from His cup itself. He is speaking of the portion of sufferings that He will leave behind (Col 1:24).These are sufferings that have no redeeming value, as did the sufferings of Jesus. Nevertheless, they will be difficult to bear for His followers. Can the disciples do it?

               CAN YOU BE BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM? This refers to the baptism of suffering – that is, when the individual is immersed into suffering, which plunging results in death. Jesus referred to this “baptism” elsewhere in most arresting words. “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50). Other versions translate the word “straightened” as distressed, ^NKJV what stress, ^NRSV constrained, ^RSV grieved ^GENEVA great is my anguish, ^NAB and under a heavy burden.” ^NLT This “baptism,” the contemplation of which constituted a heavy burden, is what consummated in Christ’s death. While it is true that Jesus died “by wicked hands” (Acts 2:23), the death of reference had more to do with God’s cursing of Christ (Gal 3:13), when He withdrew from the Son (Mk 15:34).

               In referring to this “baptism” of suffering, Jesus is referring more to what led to His death, than to the death itself, for no one else will be able to die the death He died. Now Jesus asks James and John if they are able to experience such a baptism. Can they endure what precedes being exalted? Can they pass through what is required to be close to Him?

               Behind this answer is the fact that the cross necessarily precedes the crown, and suffering must come before glory. That is the manner of the Kingdom. Thus it is written, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Tim 2:12). And again, we read that being “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” is associated with an IF-clause: “if so be that we suffer with Him” (Rom 8:17). It is not possible to be accepted by God without being rejected by the world! No person will be able to live unto God without dying to the world and sin. Divine approbation is necessarily preceded by the rejection of the world. If one desires closeness to the Lord, there is also a corresponding distance from the world that is necessary. It is that distance that induces suffering, for the world does not take kindly to those who refuse to be wed to it.

YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ASKING

               “ ³⁹ And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: ⁴⁰ But to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”

               WE CAN! Matthew says the disciples responded, “We are able” (Matt 20:22). The quick answer of James and John was driven by a lack of awareness of their own weaknesses as well as the magnitude of the experience to which Jesus referred. On the night of His betrayal, “all the disciples forsook Him and fled,” including James and John (Matt 26:56; Mk 14:50). This fulfilled the word Jesus said to them at the last supper. He told them all, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night” (Matt 26:31). Some believe John was the young man who sought to follow Jesus that night, then fled when a member of the arresting group took hold of Him (Mk 14:50-51). Since only Christ’s disciples were with Him in the garden, this is probably true.

               The point to be seen here is that the disciples were not yet aware of the magnitude of things that were associated with the kingdom and glory of Christ. Both their petition and their answer were clothed with ignorance – with a lack of familiarity with the nature of both Christ and His Kingdom. Following Jesus’ enthronement, their perspectives changed dramatically. But for the time being, they are speaking as infants, just as everyone does who lacks a mature acquaintance with the Master and His Kingdom.

               There are still people, like those of old, who assert their willingness to follow Jesus, yet are wholly lacking in their understanding of who He is and what He is doing. On one occasion, when Jesus was ministering, a certain scribe boldly affirmed, “Master, I will follow Thee withersoever Thou goest.” What a noble intention. Yet, he lacked in his understanding, for Jesus responded that there was an element of uncertainty involved in following Him. “ The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head” (Matt 8:20). Another one of Christ’s disciples, seeing that wholehearted devotion was required, responded, requesting permission to wrap up his responsibilities at home “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus told him, “Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead”(Matt 8:21-22). The point is that it is easy to boast of allegiance to Jesus and declare a willingness to follow Him when you remain unaware of what is involved in doing so. As “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15), it is imperative that the church be faithful in making known the essentials of discipleship, and what is involved in following Jesus.

               YOU SHALL INDEED. Knowing that a lofty position had been reserved for these disciples, Jesus announced that they would, indeed, drink the cup of suffering, and be plunged into the bitter experience of persecution and opposition. But it would be His cup and His baptism, and not their own private cups. They would have a share in His sufferings, but would not bear the brunt of them. That is, they would not be cursed by God, but would share in the sorrows associated with being identified with Christ in this present evil world.

               Prior to this, Jesus did not speak much concerning the appointed sufferings of His disciples. He alluded to their future endure distresses in Luke 11:49, although it was with some ambiguity: “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute” (Luke 11:49). Following the occasion of our text, however, the Lord made frequent mention of His disciples drinking the cup of suffering. He spoke of them being scourged in the synagogues, persecuted from city to city, delivered up, afflicted, killed, and put into prison (Matt 23:34; Matt 24:9; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; John 16:2). They would, indeed, drink from His cup and participate in His baptism. That was the appointed path to glory, and if they followed Jesus, it could not be successfully avoided. Those who imagine that following Jesus is always comfortable and convenient are simply wrong.

               IT IS NOT MINE TO GIVE. Even though James and John would suffer with Christ, that would not qualify them to sit at His right and left hand in the glory. That privilege was one of appointment, not reward. Jesus announces that He had no right to make such an appointment. It belonged to another, even his Father. Here is an aspect of His “everlasting kingdom” (2 Pet 1:11) that must be known. Jesus did not come to earth to make assignments, but to fulfill them, working in strict accord with the Father’s established will.

               FOR WHOM IT IS PREPARED. The truth of the matter is that such assignments had already been made, for “the works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Heb 4:3). Notice that Jesus does not say the people would be prepared for the position, but that the position was prepared for the people: i.e. “for whom it is prepared.” This is included in the phrase, “the things which God has prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor 2:9). It is also involved in the expression, “the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt 25:34). This excludes the idea of developing religious careers, and confirms that God has placed the members in the body “where it hath pleased Him” (1 Cor 12:18). As with all Kingdom understanding, the awareness of Divine appointments, as well as the preparation for them, is found within the framework of “the knowledge of God” – fellowship with Him.