The Patience of Jesus: “Who is the Greatest?” (Part 2)
On June 26th 2012, I wrote about the 1st of 3 times that the disciples really sin through selfish ambition as they fight about “which one of them is the greatest.” (See the Blog article at http://godisjustlikejesus.blogspot.com/#!/2012/06/patience-of-jesus-who-is-greatest-1.html ) The first recorded time is Mark 9:33 after the Mount of Transfiguration. The last time is at the Last Supper Luke 22:24. Today we will look at the 2nd time in Mark 10:35.
This incident is a little different than the 1st and the 3rd times. Jesus and the disciples are winding through Israel and making their final way up to Jerusalem. Jesus is leading the way. He reveals that in spite of all His power, miracles and insight into human existence, He will be handed over to the evil intentions of the Priests and Roman Officials unto humiliation and even death.
As the disciples process this their attention turns to their own importance. James and John are joined by none other than their mother to seize an opportunity to ask Jesus for the greatest honor imaginable in human history. They ask to be to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus eternal throne for all the ages to come!
This reveals a fascinating thing about Jesus. They must have been used to Jesus “granting requests” to even dare to ask this reward. And given the Gospel accounts – you almost never see Jesus refusing a request for healing, deliverance or help of any sort. Additionally it reveals Jesus approachableness. The fact that they can even conceive of asking for the ultimate reward and honor, in this age or the next, reveals how open Jesus was.
However, the whole situation turns on Jesus reaction. He doesn’t get angry nor lecture the disciples nor even sternly correct them. Jesus “patiently” instructs them. He instructs them not to be like the rulers of this present age, but to rule by serving. I say “patiently” because this is the 2nd recorded time this occurs. It is one thing to be patient the first time. But He is even patient the second time. And in Luke 22:24 He is even patient the 3rd time. And remember, this is His core leadership team that will lead the new church once Jesus is gone. The stakes are high and the sin of personal ambition is real.
Note Mk 10:41 – When the 10 heard about James and John’s attempt to grab the throne, “they became indignant…” The other 10 were furious! (Indignant is a sharp, passionate, angry word.) They are so upset they have split into 2 camps. Verse 42 says, “Jesus called them together…” The Master had to pull them all back together and instruct His followers.
Here is the critical point: He doesn’t reject them! He doesn’t demote them professionally (“you are not an Apostle anymore! You blew it!”) Nor does He reject them personally and just set them aside quietly. Jesus instructs them for their good and the church’s good.
So you have 1) Jesus openness to grant requests, 2) His approachability, and 3) He instructs people who sin without rejecting them.
If you have seen Jesus, you have seen the Father! (John 14:9) This reveals that God is not out looking to reject us constantly for our sins and failures. If you feel that way remember: “That is Satan’s voice of rejection not Gods!” God is just like Jesus. God is always trying to convict us and turn us to Himself but He is not condemning us nor threatening us with constant rejection. What He is doing is instructing us constantly for our good and the good of others!
