Mark 10 : 35 - 45
CEB Translation
35-38 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
They said, “Allow one of us to sit on your right and the other on your left when you enter your glory.”
Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?”
39-40 “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said, “You will drink the cup I drink and receive the baptism I receive, but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom it has been prepared.”
41-45 Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from Monica:
Two things stand out to me in this moment: the childlikeness of James and John, and Jesus’ teaching on humility.
This conversation comes shortly after Mark records Jesus saying, "Let the children come to me" (Mark 10:13-16). James and John were clearly listening, and they approached Jesus almost as a child would. I guess sometimes seeking one's own glory or status can look like immaturity or poor self awareness. But I also see them as coming to their friend Jesus with their desires, feeling the safety and love in relationship.
Am I willing to ask of the Divine as “little Monica” would?
Jesus’ initial responses to these two "Sons of Thunder" is clear… and therefore kind. Then, after some understandable tension among the other disciples, their Rabbi gathers them up for a landmark lesson on leadership. For them (and us) it's counter cultural and counter intuitive.
This week's passage brings to mind the way Henri Nouwen* frames leadership: “I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her vulnerable self… to enter into a deeper solidarity with the anguish underlying all the glitter of success and bring the light of Jesus there.”
Am I willing to “grow” in irrelevance? In solidarity?
May we be people who bring our deepening self + God awareness beyond the glitter, finding kinship on the margins. May we lead as liberated and liberating, relational yet “irrelevant.”
* In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, Henri Nouwen, 1989.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Where are you focusing on your own goals instead of the needs of others? Juxtaposed: What needs do you have?
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Think of a hard situation in the past week. What feelings rose up in you? What judgments? How might recognizing these positively impact others?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Naturalists: Loving God Outdoors
Find somewhere outside that you enjoy. Set your phone and earbuds aside, find a place to sit or stand, and spend some minutes in the natural “quiet.” Listen to your breath, listen for sounds, birds, the city, and maybe even God’s heart for you and that particular place.
Questions for Reflection
To whom do you feel like you have the most to prove? What would life be like if you had nothing to prove?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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