Two Disciples’ Selfishness Resulted in a Selfish Request

It’s been three and a half years that Jesus’ disciples have been under his tutelage, learning how to “make disciples” for the propagation of the gospel with all nations.  He is now approaching the end of his earthly ministry, and on his way to Jerusalem   predicts his death and resurrection the third time to his disciples. As followers of Christ, such a life-altering announcement should have stirred their hearts to put aside any selfish desires of theirs and focus wholeheartedly on him and his coming suffering. After all, the redemption of sinful mankind would soon be fulfilled through his death and resurrection. However, just as Jesus’s first disciples misunderstood much of what he taught them because of their carnal thinking, many of us misunderstand today because of our carnality. Even though they were his disciples, they hadn’t grasped the concept that his kingdom is eternal.

This is evident because the mother (Salome, Matt. 27:56) of Zebedee’s sons (James and John, Matt. 4:21) came to Jesus with her sons, kneeling as a posture of worship (v.20) but with a selfish motive. She requested that he would grant both of her sons positions of royalty in his kingdom – one on his right hand and the other on his left (v.21). All mothers desire the best for their sons, and we should, praying that God will keep them covered because the devil’s desire is to destroy them. Yet, we must not go before God’s throne with a prideful heart, seeking things that glorify us for “no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Cor.1:29); “he that glories, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor.1:31).

Notice the master’s response and to whom he responded; it was to her sons. They didn’t know what they were asking. Their interest was worldly because they had not yet comprehended that his kingdom was eternal. He symbolized his coming suffering as “the cup” and “the baptism.” His disciples had no idea of the magnitude of pain and suffering he would shortly experience for sinners. So their response to their ability to drink his cup, and be baptized with the baptism that he was baptized with was quick and thoughtless: “We are able” (v.22).

Jesus declared that they would suffer; all believers will. As far as granting the request to sit on his right hand and on his left, Jesus said it was not his to give, “but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father” (v.23). Jesus always work in union with the Father.