Mark 10:35-45 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

James and John Seek the Highest Place (10:35-45).

The words of Jesus found in Matthew 19:28, not recorded by Mark, had struck home. They appealed more to the thinking of the disciples than the talk of death. And James and John, as part of the Inner Three, egged on by their mother (Matthew 20:20), came with her to Jesus to seek to supplant Peter. Possibly they felt that Peter, having been addressed by Jesus as ‘Satan' (Mark 8:33), was at present vulnerable as leader of the group. And besides they were related to the high priestly set which gave them prestige. They were the well connected ones (John 18:15). (How hard it is for those who are well connected to put themselves on a level with others).

This self-seeking is deliberately set against the previous words to bring out its enormity, but we need not assume it immediately followed it. They would soon learn what being a leader meant in Jesus' eyes.

Related Commentaries of Mark 10:35

Mark 10:35-45

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

36 And he said unto them,What would ye that I should do for you?

37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38 But Jesus said unto them,Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them,Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them,Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.