November 23

“The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized.” Mark 10:39

James and John longed to sit on either side of the Lord Jesus in his glory. Knowing, however, the inappropriateness of such a request, they dared not come out with it, but subtly suggested that he give them anything they might ask for. Jesus did not at once comply; instead he asked what they wanted. Their request carried two meanings: one a desire to he near the Lord, the other an ambition to wield more authority than the rest.

It was quite right for them to desire nearness to Christ, and he did not reject their desire. He simply assured them that to see it fulfilled they must drink his cup of suffering and he baptized with his baptism of death and resurrection. These two brothers did not know what they were asking, but neither did Jesus find fault with them for doing so. He did not even rebuke them personally for their ambitions. but replied that what they sought was not to be had for the asking. Nearness to Jesus in the future requires one condition only: nearness to him now.