Scripture

Jesus answered them by saying, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or left. My Father has prepared these places for the ones He has chosen.”

Observation

Jesus takes the twelve disciples aside and tells them privately about His imminent death and resurrection.

The mother of James and John comes and asks Jesus to allow her sons to sit next to Him when He takes His Kingdom. Jesus replies that she doesn’t know what she is asking for. To follow Him means to drink from the same cup of suffering that He must drink.

He goes on to tell the disciples that anyone who wants to rule in His kingdom must first become a servant. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Application

To follow Jesus means that we must be ready to suffer for Him and for His Kingdom.

The path of Jesus has always been as odds with the world and the demonic powers that control it. Suffering is almost inevitable.

The so-called prosperity gospel promises wealth and success to those who believe in Jesus. While it is true that God’s favour can result in earthly advancement, it is also true that the world hates those who follow Jesus.

Persecution has been the lot of the majority of christians in the ages. But their experience has been that there is enormous blessing in suffering. Suffering for the faith brings an added dimension of the presence of Christ that those who follow Him in a place of comfort cannot understand.

We do not go out looking to be persecuted, but when suffering comes we should not flee it. Christ is always with us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when times of testing come, may I be found faithful. Amen.