MARK 10:35–45, THE AMBITION OF JAMES AND JOHN
TRUE GREATNESS REVEALED AS SELF-GIVING SERVICE
Introduction
Immediately after Jesus’ third and most detailed prediction of His Passion, two of His closest disciples come forward with a startling request. While Jesus walks resolutely toward suffering, James and John dream of glory. Their ambition exposes a deep misunderstanding that still lingers among the disciples: they expect a triumphant Messiah and positions of honor in an earthly kingdom. Jesus does not reject them harshly; instead, He patiently redirects their desire for greatness toward its true meaning. This passage stands at the heart of Christian discipleship, revealing that the path to glory passes through service, sacrifice, and the Cross.
Bible Passage (Mark 10:35–45)
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Background
This episode follows closely after Jesus’ announcement of betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection. Mark intentionally places the disciples’ ambition next to Jesus’ self-emptying mission to highlight the contrast. James and John belong to the inner circle; they witnessed the Transfiguration and heard the voice of the Father. Yet even they struggle to grasp the nature of the Kingdom. Their request reflects common Jewish expectations of a messianic reign where power, honor, and proximity to the ruler determined greatness. Jesus responds by redefining leadership according to God’s logic.
Opening Life Connection
In everyday life, ambition is often praised. People strive for recognition, influence, and positions of honor—sometimes even in the Church. We may serve generously, yet secretly hope for appreciation, authority, or privilege. Like James and John, we can follow Jesus sincerely while still measuring success by worldly standards. This Gospel invites us to purify our motives and ask: Why do we want to be seen, heard, or promoted?
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
James and John begin boldly: “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Their confidence reveals both intimacy and presumption. They assume closeness guarantees privilege.
Jesus responds calmly: “What do you wish me to do for you?” He allows them to articulate their desire, bringing hidden ambition into the open.
Their request is direct: “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” They imagine glory without grasping the Cross that leads to it. They want proximity to power, not participation in suffering.
Jesus answers with truth and compassion: “You do not know what you are asking.” Ambition without understanding can be spiritually dangerous.
He then speaks symbolically: “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” The cup signifies suffering and obedience to the Father’s will; the baptism points to being immersed in suffering and death.
Their response, “We can,” is sincere but naive. Jesus affirms their future fidelity: “The cup that I drink, you will drink.” Indeed, James will become the first apostolic martyr, and John will endure a lifetime of suffering and witness.
Yet Jesus clarifies divine sovereignty: “To sit at my right or left is not mine to give.” Glory is not seized; it is prepared by the Father.
When the other disciples react with anger, Jesus gathers them and contrasts worldly leadership with Kingdom leadership. “They lord it over them.” Power in the world dominates and controls.
Then comes the radical reversal: “But it shall not be so among you.” Jesus draws a clear boundary between worldly ambition and Christian discipleship.
True greatness is defined: “Whoever wishes to be great… will be your servant.” True primacy is deeper still: “the slave of all.”
Jesus grounds this teaching in His own mission: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Service reaches its summit in self-sacrifice. The Cross is the throne of true glory.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In the ancient world, rulers displayed authority through dominance, privilege, and public honor. Even within Judaism, seats at the right and left symbolized power and status. Jesus does not deny authority but transforms it. He fulfills Isaiah’s vision of the Suffering Servant who redeems many through self-giving. His teaching does not abolish leadership; it sanctifies it through service.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church understands authority as service, modeled on Christ. Holy Orders, pastoral leadership, and all forms of Christian responsibility exist for the good of others, not self-advancement. This passage underlies the Church’s teaching on servant leadership and redemptive suffering. Participation in Christ’s glory is inseparable from participation in His Cross.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint James the Greater, who asked for a place of honor, later sealed his discipleship with martyrdom. Saint John, who desired glory, lived a long life of suffering, exile, and faithful witness. Their lives show how Christ purified ambition into heroic love and service.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges every form of ambition—personal, professional, and even religious. Jesus does not condemn the desire to be great; He redirects it. True greatness is measured by how much we serve, forgive, and give of ourselves. Parents, leaders, ministers, and professionals are invited to lead by example, humility, and sacrifice.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ again gives His life as a ransom for many. The One we receive is the Servant who poured Himself out completely. Nourished by His Body and Blood, we are sent to imitate His self-giving love, becoming servants of one another.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Examine personal ambitions in the light of Christ’s Cross.
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Repent of desires for recognition, power, or privilege.
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Embrace service as the true path to greatness.
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Accept suffering united with Christ as part of discipleship.
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Resolve to imitate Jesus by serving generously without seeking reward.
Outline for Preachers
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Background within the Gospel: ambition following the Passion prediction
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Life connection: desire for status and recognition
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Key verses and phrases explained:
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“We want you to do for us whatever we ask”
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“You do not know what you are asking”
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“drink the cup… baptism”
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“It shall not be so among you”
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“the Son of Man did not come to be served”
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Jewish historical and religious context: power and honor
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Catholic teaching and tradition: servant leadership
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Saintly illustration: Saints James and John
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Application to life today: humility and service
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Eucharistic connection: Christ’s self-gift
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Key messages and call to conversion
