Matthew 20:17-28, Mark 10:32-45, and Luke 18:31-34
We have some chronological problems with today’s setting. From yesterday’s reading, John 11:54 puts Jesus in a city called Ephraim; scholars put that city some 15 miles north or northwest from Jerusalem. So what is the mother of James and John doing this far south from Capernaum (some 50-60 miles): Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him with her sons… (Matthew 20:20a) But let’s put that verse together with Mark 10:32, And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. The key phrase here is “those who followed”. I presume that Jesus and His disciples had joined a group from Galilee that was going to Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover celebration. James and John found their mother in that group and the story unfolds. Reading between the lines…!
I just returned from taking some table scraps to our chickens. It’s always interesting to watch them fighting over the best of the scraps – choosing the cut-up strawberries over the lettuce pieces. And no matter what I give them every morning they try to be first in line and are fighting over table scraps or feeder pellets or cracked corn. So this morning, having read today’s readings, I saw the chickens with names James and John, fighting over those table scraps. Now we know and they knew that it was not table scraps they were seeking, but the glory that would be Jesus in His Kingdom. But still, they wanted to be first and they wanted the best seats.
And I wondered about our choosing the best seats – but I just don’t see it in our congregation. Avanza ended this past week and even through the pandemic Kelly and Abigail and a dozen or more parishioners and outsiders were serving (and loving!) these Hispanic kids. I see a staff that rarely complains about what they are asked to do. I see people stepping up whenever there is some particular need. You can always find a dozen or more people helping to clean up after a potluck. (I trust you can remember potlucks, pre-pandemic!) But still, in our own lives, are we seeking the best seats? Again, wanting to be recognized for what we do…? But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. (vv. 43b-44)
See also: August 18 / Matt. 20:17-28; August 19 / Mark 10:32-45; August 20 / Luke 18:31-34