James and John (and probably their mom, though Mark left her out in his version of the story in Mark 10:35-45) thought they’d get their bid for power in before the other disciples. Jesus kept talking about his kingdom. Well, weren’t “kingdoms” about seeking places of power? “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. In the Kingdom of Heaven, there is no status seeking. In my Kingdom, we serve.

• We have a good idea (as James and John did) what power, privilege and importance look like. Down deep, most of us wish for some of the perks that go with power. But Jesus’ view was succinct and direct: “that’s not the way it will be with you.” Jesus said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve, and even give his life. In what specific ways does living like Jesus change your approach to life?
• Jesus told James and John, “You WILL drink from my cup.” James was the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2). On the other hand, Christian tradition said John, serving and writing, lived for many years. In what ways did John, as well as James, “drink from Jesus’ cup”? In what ways, if any, has your life so far called on you to do that?