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.” - Mark 10:35-37
Despite the continual declaration of His coming suffering, the disciples are still thinking that when Jesus gets to Jerusalem, He will establish a political kingdom. Here, James and John are asking for positions of high status in Jesus’ administration - which they are certain, will be installed soon!
The place of honor is the seat on the right, and next to it, the seat on the left (1 Kings 2:19, Psalm 110:1). They were asking for the “number one” and the “number two” places in Jesus’ administration.
This is no doubt an outgrowth of the continual topic of conversation among the disciples: which one among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-34). James and John feel confident they will be the greatest, so they ask Jesus to confirm their opinion by appointing them to high positions now.
Despite the continual declaration of His coming suffering, the disciples are still thinking that when Jesus gets to Jerusalem, He will establish a political kingdom. Here, James and John are asking for positions of high status in Jesus’ administration - which they are certain, will be installed soon!
The place of honor is the seat on the right, and next to it, the seat on the left (1 Kings 2:19, Psalm 110:1). They were asking for the “number one” and the “number two” places in Jesus’ administration.
This is no doubt an outgrowth of the continual topic of conversation among the disciples: which one among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-34). James and John feel confident they will be the greatest, so they ask Jesus to confirm their opinion by appointing them to high positions now.