35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36 And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’
Mark 10: 35-36
Jesus has just told the followers for the third time that they are headed to Jerusalem where he will be condemned to death, mocked, spit on and killed but will rise on the third day. His words seem to go in one ear and out the other. The followers don’t understand. We know that feeling when the whole world seems against us and we are just not sure which way to turn. Isolation, abandonment, and betrayal are terrible feelings and Jesus must have been discouraged. To add insult to injury, James and John, two of the disciples Jesus was closest to, along with Peter, come to him and ask him to grant them their wish.
“We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” My kids all tried this line on me. Sometimes it meant they had asked their father and gotten a “no.” Other times they know the answer is “no” but just to hedge their beg they preceded the request by trying to draw a promise from me. Sighhhhhhh. Jesus responds, “What is it you want me to do for you?”
There is our reflection for today. How do I come to God in my prayers? Perhaps I share a verse with God that makes my request seem doable. I remind him that he has told me I can ask anything. I admit my faith is as small as a mustard seed but I do believe…kinda. I might even profess it with a phrase that the request is not for me but for my friend who is struggling. Talking with the God of the universe is intimidating and at its best, humbling.
Jesus asks James and John what they want. Jesus asks us today what we want. As I chatted with my friends, they turned the question to me – what would I ask for? I thought of my children and the ones who are struggling or job hunting. Then I thought of Solomon at the Temple praying for wisdom to govern God’s people. Perhaps I would ask for a quality to handle life in a godly way. I have often prayed for a quiet and gentle spirit that is precious in the eyes of the Lord. God is open to hearing all those requests.
James and John ask for seats of honor and power. Jesus points out the necessary qualifications but says, ultimately that is not his to grant. Not all prayers get a yes but Jesus invited the followers to voice their wants. So what would you ask Jesus for today as he stands before you? Blessings and humility to receive his answer.
On the Way to Wonder 