Mark 10:35-45 (NIV) 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Ambition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) – intense “desire for rank, fame or power”
The Bold Question (VV 35-37)
James and John – called the “Sons of Thunder” in Mark 3:17 (thunder can mean commotion)
They want a prominent position in the new kingdom (taking advantage of the change in management)
They use Jesus’ words to influence him “we want you to do whatever we ask” (see Matthew 7:7-11)
They also use their mother to help persuade Jesus (see Matthew 20:20-28)
Humanly speaking, the argument strategy is sound
What are your ambitions?
The Tough Answer (VV 38-40)
“If I could walk, everything would be okay” — the narrative every sufferer builds
“You don’t know what you’re asking” – they are blinded by their ambition
You haven’t counted the costs (“can you drink … ?”)
Cup = the cup of God’s wrath (Jeremiah 25:15)
Baptism = cleansing/atonement for sin (Leviticus 8:6, Hebrews 9:22)
Have you fully considered what it will cost to achieve your ambitions?
The New Assignment (VV 41-45)
God’s kingdom does not function in the same way that secular organizations do
Service is the key performance indicator (KPI) in the church (not merit)
Detour – are all ambitions sinful?
The ambition of the Apostle Paul, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
Mother Teresa, “God didn't call me to be successful, He called me to be faithful.”
Who benefits from your ambitions?