While the disciples failed to understand the purpose of Jesus' mission, especially the cross and resurrection, they knew that Jerusalem was an extremely dangerous place for Jesus to be. Yet He was resolutely going there. Jesus had no fear, but those who followed Him did. There are times when we can be afraid of where Jesus is leading us. We can be assured that He knows exactly what He is doing and can handle any and every situation.
Jesus took His disciples aside and told them exactly what would happen. He told them about the events that would happen immediately before the cross, and what would happen afterwards.
Yet again the disciples, this time James and John, demonstrate a complete failure to understand and appreciate what Jesus was saying and what the implications were. They knew that Jesus was the Messiah, and so wanted the "best seats in heaven". See that this is based on an element of truth, Jesus was going to be crowned King of Kings, just as some false or misguided teaching today is based on an element of truth. But it totally failed to appreciate the totality of what Jesus is about.
James and John did not realise that is asking to be at the right and left of Him in His glory they were really asking to be on the crosses either side of Him! Jesus knew they had no idea what they were talking about. But He also knew that one day they would indeed be able to share in His suffering. James would soon be martyred, and John would suffer on Patmos.
Jesus then teaches all the disciples that His kingdom runs on very different principles to the kingdoms of the world. The only authority we have in the kingdom is the authority to serve others.
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