2.4 - The request for James and John Flashcards
1)
Retell the story of the request for James and John
James and John went to Jesus and asked Him to grant them their will. They asked if they could sit in His glory, one on his right, and one on his left. Jesus told them they didn’t know what they were asking. He asked if they could drink the same cup that He did or be baptized in the same baptism He could. They said yes. So Jesus said that they will drink the same cup He drinks and they will be baptised the same baptism He is baptised. However, Jesus said it was up to God who sat at His right and left, not Him. Then the disciples got angry at James and John. So Jesus called to them and preached. If you wish to become a great person or leader, you must not be served and have all control. But you must be a slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.
2)
What did James and John ask?
To sit at either side of Jesus on His throne in heaven.
3)
Who were James and John?
The sons of Zebedee.
4)
‘He asked if they could drink the same cup that He did or be baptized in the same baptism He could. They said yes. So Jesus said that they will drink the same cup He drinks and they will be baptised the same baptism He is baptised.
What does this mean?
In order for James and John to be sat at Jesus’ left and right hand sides, they have to face the same experiences as Him. He was warning how difficult it was to be a disciple. Yet they remained persistent they were ready. So Jesus told them they would have to face the same experiences He did in order to be a disciple.
5)
What was Jesus’ role on Earth?
‘For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many’
Mark 10:45
6)
On many occasions, how did Jesus respond to questions?
By answering with another question.
7)
What does the cup represent?
A person’s destiny. Everything given to them by God.
8)
What does the reference to baptism emphasize?
Jesus’ humanity.
9)
James and John said they would be disciples even if it meant suffering and dying. So were the disciples ready to follow Him?
Yes. Although Jesus didn’t believe them, ultimately yes. They both faced persecution and suffering for it many years later. James was killed by Herod and John died in exile.
10)
What did Jesus teach His disciples in the second half of this story?
They must focus on helping other people instead of trying to get the best place in Heaven.
11)
What does this story teach about prayer and asking God for things?
If you pray for something and don’t get it, you are most likely praying for the wrong thing.
