MARK 10:35-45
AMBITION OF JAMES AND JOHN
Text – Mark 10:35–45
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
36 He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”
37 They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
39 They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Introduction
Right after Jesus predicts His Passion, James and John approach Him with a bold and self-centered request—to sit beside Him in His glory. Their ambition reveals how little they yet understand about His Kingdom, which is not one of power and prestige but of humility and service. Jesus responds patiently, teaching that true greatness lies in sharing His suffering and serving others. This episode contrasts worldly ambition with the call to self-giving love, culminating in the profound declaration that the Son of Man came “not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Historical and Jewish Context
James and John, known as the “sons of Zebedee,” were among Jesus’ closest disciples and part of His inner circle with Peter. Their request reflects the common Jewish expectation of a triumphant Messiah who would establish a political kingdom. Sitting at the “right” and “left” were positions of honor and authority beside a king. Jesus’ question about “the cup” and “baptism” refers to His forthcoming Passion: the “cup” symbolizes suffering (cf. Isaiah 51:17; Mark 14:36), and “baptism” signifies being immersed in trial and death. The indignation of the other disciples shows that ambition and rivalry still existed within the group. Jesus’ teaching about servant leadership challenges both Jewish and Greco-Roman concepts of authority, redefining greatness as humble service.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the heart of Christian discipleship—humility, service, and sacrificial love. Jesus’ words, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,” summarize His entire mission and the pattern for all Christian life. The Church sees in this teaching the foundation for ordained ministry and Christian vocation: authority is a form of service, not domination (CCC 876–877). The “cup” of Christ points to the Eucharist, in which the faithful share in His sacrifice; the “baptism” points to the sacrament by which we are united to His death and resurrection. To follow Christ is to embrace service as the path to holiness and glory. The phrase “ransom for many” (Greek: lytron anti pollōn) expresses Jesus’ redemptive death, offered freely for the salvation of all humanity.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 53:11–12 – The Suffering Servant “poured out His life to death” for many.
Philippians 2:5–8 – Christ humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant.
John 13:12–15 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet as a model of service.
Matthew 20:20–28 – The parallel account of the same event.
1 Peter 2:21 – “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example.”
Key Terms
Cup – Symbol of suffering, obedience, and participation in Christ’s Passion.
Baptism – Immersion into death and resurrection with Christ.
Servant / Slave (doulos) – The model of Christian greatness through selfless love.
Ransom – The price of redemption paid by Christ’s sacrificial death.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is often proclaimed on feasts of apostles and during liturgies that emphasize service and humility, such as Holy Thursday. It invites both clergy and laity to imitate Christ’s servant leadership. In the Eucharist, the faithful share in the “cup” of Christ’s sacrifice and are sent forth to serve others. The washing of the feet during the Holy Thursday liturgy vividly re-enacts this Gospel’s call: the one who leads must serve.
Conclusion
The ambition of James and John becomes an opportunity for Jesus to reveal the true meaning of discipleship. In the Kingdom of God, greatness is measured not by power but by service, not by position but by love. Christ’s entire mission culminates in service and sacrifice—He gives His life as a ransom for many. Every Christian is called to follow this same path of humble love.
Reflection
Do I seek recognition or control in my service to God and others? Jesus invites me to lead by serving, to love by sacrificing, and to find greatness in humility. To drink His cup means embracing daily sacrifices with love and faith.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Free me from pride and selfish ambition. Teach me to find joy in humble service and to follow You in the way of the Cross. May my life reflect Your love and my heart be conformed to Your will. Amen.