Teaching on Standards of Greatness

87. Teaching on Standards of Greatness

This is similar to an earlier passage titled Teachings on Greatness.

Once again we see that the disciples – in this case James and John – are still under the spell of the apocalyptic vision: they ask Jesus for the right to sit on his right and left hand in the kingdom. Jesus mildly rebukes them saying they know not what they ask. Jesus, no doubt fully aware that he will be crucified, and equally aware that James and John have a very different expectation as to how things will turn out, asks them if they are able to accept his same fate: “Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” The disciples say yes, not understanding Jesus’ true meaning. Aware of, but not outwardly acknowledging the misunderstanding, Jesus says, ok then. The same fate awaits you. But will your crucifix be on my right or my left? That is not for me to say.

And then Jesus goes into a familiar teaching about greatness. It is not about status and power and prestige – sitting on Jesus’ right or left – but about having knowledge of the things that make for life, and helping other people gain that same knowledge. Serving people – helping them find and travel the path toward a personal relationship with God – is the highest calling.

[See also “Teaching on Greatness,” Commentary 10-51.]