Why did James and John ask to sit at Jesus' right and left hand?

The request made by James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left hand is a fascinating moment in the Gospels, specifically recorded in Mark 10:35-45 and Matthew 20:20-28. To fully understand why James and John made this request, we must consider the context of their request, the cultural and theological implications, and Jesus' response.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were among Jesus' closest disciples. Along with Peter, they formed an inner circle that witnessed some of Jesus' most significant moments, such as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8). Their close relationship with Jesus might have given them a sense of privilege and boldness to make such a request. In Mark 10:35-37, we read:

"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we want you to do for us whatever we ask.' 'What do you want me to do for you?' he asked. They replied, 'Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.'"

This request is deeply rooted in the disciples' understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom. At this point in Jesus' ministry, many of His followers, including the disciples, still held a common Jewish expectation of the Messiah as a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory. Sitting at the right and left hand of a king were positions of great honor and authority. James and John likely envisioned Jesus' kingdom in these terms and sought prominent roles within it.

However, their request also reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom. Jesus' mission was not to establish an earthly kingdom through power and might, but to inaugurate the Kingdom of God through service, sacrifice, and love. Jesus' response to James and John highlights this fundamental difference:

"You don’t know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" (Mark 10:38).

The "cup" and "baptism" Jesus refers to symbolize His impending suffering and death. By asking if they can share in His cup and baptism, Jesus is challenging James and John to consider whether they are prepared to endure the same suffering and sacrifice that He is about to face. Their confident reply, "We can," demonstrates their loyalty but also their lack of understanding of the true cost of discipleship.

Jesus then acknowledges that they will indeed share in His suffering:

"You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." (Mark 10:39-40).

This statement underscores that positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom are not granted based on ambition or favoritism but are prepared by God according to His sovereign will.

The request of James and John also caused indignation among the other disciples, revealing that they too harbored similar ambitions and misunderstandings. Jesus took this opportunity to teach them about true greatness in His kingdom:

"Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (Mark 10:42-45).

In this teaching, Jesus contrasts the worldly concept of leadership with the values of His kingdom. Greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about power, status, or authority, but about humility, service, and self-sacrifice. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of this servant leadership, as He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

The request of James and John, therefore, serves as a catalyst for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on discipleship and leadership. It exposes the disciples' misconceptions and provides an opportunity for Jesus to clarify the nature of His mission and the values of His kingdom.

In reflecting on this passage, we can draw several important lessons for our own lives as followers of Christ. Firstly, we are reminded that true greatness in God's eyes is not measured by our status, achievements, or positions of authority, but by our willingness to serve others selflessly. This challenges us to examine our own motives and ambitions and to align them with the values of Jesus' kingdom.

Secondly, we are called to embrace the path of suffering and sacrifice as part of our discipleship. Just as Jesus drank the cup of suffering, we too may be called to endure hardships and trials for the sake of the Gospel. This does not mean seeking out suffering for its own sake, but rather being willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even when it involves personal cost.

Lastly, we are encouraged to look to Jesus as our ultimate example of servant leadership. His life and ministry exemplify the self-giving love and humility that should characterize our own relationships and service to others. As we seek to follow Him, we can trust that He will empower us by His Spirit to live out these values in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the request of James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left hand reveals their misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom and serves as a powerful teaching moment about true greatness, service, and sacrifice. Jesus' response challenges us to re-evaluate our own ambitions and to embrace the values of His kingdom, following His example of selfless love and servant leadership.