Their arrogance is appalling.

And James and John,the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” – Mark 10:35 ESV

Can you even imagine taking such a tone with the son of God, holiness in flesh?  I can.  Oh, it’s always in the guise of prayer or followed by the token if it be Your will. But, let’s be real.  It’s no different. It’s the created saying to the Creator – This is what I want from you.

What they wanted was glory.

What I Read:

Mark 10:35-45

What He Said:

Allow us to sit at Your right and at Your left in Your glory. – Mark 10:37 HCBS

They wanted His glory.

I am reminded of a verse I just read a couple of days ago: The Lord gives grace and glory. (Psalm 84:11 HCSB)  What a gracious God.  So, if He gives glory, what is wrong with James and John requesting it?  The issue was that they just didn’t get it. They wanted to partake in His glory without sharing in His suffering.  The Lord does give glory, but it comes with a price.  Jesus tells them, You don’t know what you’re asking.

Are you able to drink the cup I drink?

A clear reference to the crucifixion.

How many times do we ask to share in His glory?  We ask to be rewarded or recognized.  We desire success and admiration.  We crave acceptance and honor.  In essence we are saying, Lord, how about sharing a little of the glory?

And He replies, you don’t know what you’re asking.

We need hearts that beat for His glory alone. It is all His and we should not desire any of it for ourselves.

What we need is not glory. What we need is grace. Grace for ourselves and grace for others. Because sometimes we forget. We forget that His grace is lavish. It’s excessive and abundant and more than enough. When we feel empty, He causes our cups to overflow.

 Grace is what we need. Grace, not glory.

~~~~~

This post is part of a 31 Day series. Read the first post here.