Servanthood: It’s hard to fault the sons of Zebedee for their zeal, but this passage reveals them to be more than a bit woolly-headed. They come to Jesus asking to be glorified with him, one on his right and one on his left. They still see the reign of Jesus as mimicking human paradigms of power and authority. They expect Jesus to be an authoritarian Lord, and they want to be his vicegerents, his seconds-in-command. But they are missing the point. All the more embarrassing for them, given that, literally just before this excerpt, Jesus explained to his disciples that he would be mocked, tortured, and then killed by the imperial authorities. It seems that James and John were unable to hear this. Perhaps they ignored Jesus when he foretold his death; perhaps they misunderstood him, perhaps they were in denial. Whatever the case, in this scene, they come to Jesus assuming that his glory entails power. Jesus, however, shows that glory is found in weakness and humility: “Whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.”

How do members of the Church today find themselves reflected in the power-hungry aspirations of James and John? How can we, instead, seek the glory of being last, the glory of servanthood, the glory of the cross?

Can we think of times our own anger may be a projection of something we have suppressed? What do you suppose was the disciples’ reaction to Jesus, again, (as he did in last week’s scripture) telling them that the expected order has been reversed: first is last; last is first?

Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.