Mark 10:35

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En Jakobus en Johannes, die seuns van Sebed,s, het na Hom gekom en gesê: Meester, ons wil hê dat U vir ons moet doen wat ons U ook al mag vra.

What Does This Mean?

James and John ask Jesus if he can do anything they wish for them. This shows their faith in Jesus but also a desire for special treatment. The key message is about the disciples' ambitions and Jesus' response to them.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who is really good at playing games, so good that everyone wants his help. You and your best buddy ask him if he can do anything you want in any game. That's like James and John asking Jesus for special things.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Gospel of Mark, written around 70 AD, aimed at a general audience with an emphasis on Jesus' actions and words. The cultural setting was one where leaders often had close followers or disciples who aspired to leadership roles themselves.

Living It Out Today

In modern scenarios, this could relate to asking for promotions at work. Think about whether your request is driven by genuine need or a desire to stand out among peers.

Topics

• leadership
• discipleship
• ambition
• faith
• prayer
• priorities

Related Verses

• Matthew 20:20
• Luke 22:24
• 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
• James 4:1-3
• Philippians 2:1-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do James and John ask Jesus this?

James and John likely wanted special favor or recognition, showing a mix of faith in Jesus' power and personal ambition.

What does this show about their relationship with Jesus?

It shows they have confidence in Jesus but also reveal their human desires for prominence within the group of disciples.

How did Jesus respond to James and John's request?

Jesus asked them what they wanted, leading into a lesson about true leadership being service rather than seeking power (Mark 10:35-45).

What can we learn from this interaction?

We learn that while it's good to have faith in God’s ability, our desires should align with His will and not just personal ambition.