Scripture: Mark 10:35-45
Mark 10:35-45 says, “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.’ And He said to them, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ So Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.’ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.” What we see here is the closest thing to civil war that Jesus ever had to confront among the twelve disciples. A lot of people think that Jesus’ ministry was all joy, sweetness, and peace, but that is not true. This incident no doubt stirred up rivalry and jealousy akin to civil war among His disciples. James and John had gotten their own mother involved in order to advance themselves ahead of Peter and guarantee themselves the top positions. This is a picture of selfish ambition in action. The disciples were going to be forced to make a choice right here. They better choose right for if they do not choose right, they could miss out forever. The wise choice will advance them to maturity. The wrong one could disqualify them from meaningful and mighty ministry. The ten were greatly displeased with James and John for good reason. They needed to repent. Sometimes we simply need to repent, straight out! That’s what we are called to do, and we just need to do it. Obedience is better than sacrifice!
- Pray for many Muslim students who are far from home that they will find supportive friends and do well in their studies.
- Pray for organizations like Friends International which focus on international student ministry, reaching out with Christian love to students from the Muslim world.
- Pray for wisdom, sensitivity and deep friendship which enables meaningful dialogue.
- Pray for Muslims who long for a faith that is important and significant to find what they are looking for (Matthew 6:33).
- Pray that Christians will continually examine their faith so that their witness will be authentic (2Corinthians 13:5; James 3:9-12).