Scripture tells us that we are created in the image of God. But, how can that be since we come into this world laden with imperfections and annoying habits? We don't arrive programmed for perfect service.
We're clumsy and noisy and expect the world to dance to our tune. We scream when we're hungry; we scream when our diapers are wet, and, if we had a mouthful of teeth we'd even bite the hand that feeds us. The world says "no" when we mean "yes", and all dickens breaks loose.
Then we grow up. We mature and put away our tears and our diapers. We want to set the world on fire or, as with most of us, we just try to make the world around us a little better than we found it or, at least, no worse. We smooth out the rough edges as best we can.
There's nothing wrong with smoothing out the rough edges. It's better than pulling splinters all the time. We smooth the edges, cut corners and "make-do" when the going gets tough.
We like to feel good about ourselves; actually, we need to feel good about ourselves. It's part and parcel of the survival instinct that keeps us loving ourselves enough to avoid danger.
We owe God many thanks for this built-in safety measure. The world can be cruel and unforgiving; it could even be "loveless" if we didn't love ourselves enough to mirror back the love of others. If we are honest with ourselves, we might find that we most love those who make us feel good about ourselves. Love is wonderfully selfish.
James and John, disciples of Jesus, were feeling pretty good about themselves - so good, in fact, that they thought themselves more worthy than the other disciples to hold a seat of Glory next to Jesus. Ministering alongside Jesus was, no doubt, a special honor in itself, but as long as they were feeling that good, what would be the harm in expecting even more? If you're going to dream, It doesn't take any more energy to dream "big" than it does to dream "little."
So, go ahead, go straight for the gusto! What would it hurt to cut a few corners and arrive in Heaven on the "coat tails" of Jesus.
James and John knew that Jesus was to return to his Father, but they were yet inexperienced enough so to be blessed with innocence - that blissful state of being just before the moment of "knowing."
Boldly, the two said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." "What is it you want me to do for you"?, Jesus asked, and they answered, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."
Can't you almost hear the audible pause that must have passed between them before Jesus said, "You do not know what you are asking." Oh, that blissful moment when they could still cut corners and go straight for the glory!
"Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?", Jesus asked; "Or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with"?
"We are able" was their simple, innocent reply. Jesus was heavy with the burden of knowing the events yet to come, and, with heavy heart, he agreed that they would indeed drink the cup and be baptized in that same baptism as he.
To "drink the cup" was an idiomatic for martyrdom, the cup of suffering. The "Baptism" meant not only the acceptance of God's way, but was sometimes also referred to as being symbolic of death.
When James and John glibly answered "we are able", it was said with no awareness of the real consequences. Yes, Jesus agreed that they would indeed suffer pain and death.
"But", Jesus told them, "to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my father."
Now, while James and John are represented here as selfishly seeking the chief seats in heaven, Jesus finds it a golden moment to teach them humility when the other disciples voice their irritation with James and John, so Jesus called to them and said,
"You know that among the Gentiles, those who they recognize as their rulers lord it over them and their great ones are tyrants over them."
"But it is not so with you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave to all."
In Matthew, chapter 19, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Luke describes it as a dispute among the disciples as to which one of them was the greatest, and Jesus said, "The greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves."
"For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You who wish to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many".
Discipleship is not a privilege but rather it is service, and Jesus exemplifies this service. His highest service is finally that he gives his life as a ransom for many.
In the letter to the Hebrews we are told that Jesus tells them that both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family, expressing a special kinship with all who follow him. The operative words here are "those who follow", not those who race Jesus to the throne.
In Jesus, he says, we have a high priest who is able to "sympathize with our weaknesses…one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
It is not for us to tell God to prepare a throne for us, but it is for us to have faith that He will, to be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
The one who makes us holy and those who are made holy are of the same family and will sit together when all things are made new.
Amen.